Sorry for the flight delay: your pilot is drunk

Air India is under scrutiny after one of its pilots reportedly failed two breathalyzer tests and had to be escorted from a long-distance flight before take off. 

Canada's transport regulator has asked Air India to investigate the incident, which occurred at Vancouver International Airport. 

 
The incident was labelled as a "serious matter" by Transport Canada in a letter to Air India and authorities are likely to pursue enforcement action, news agency Reuters reported. 

The incident occurred on Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Vienna, NEWS 18 said. 

In a statement, Air India confirmed the flight from Vancouver via Vienna to Delhi on December 23 experienced a last-minute delay due to the incident, adding that an alternate pilot was brought in to operate the flight.

"The pilot has been taken off flying duties during the process of enquiry," the airline said in a statement. 

"Air India maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any violation of applicable rules and regulations. 

"Pending the outcome of the investigation, any confirmed violation will attract strict disciplinary action in line with company policy."

The letter from Transport Canada official Ajit Oommen has asked Air India to provide its findings and details of steps taken to prevent future occurrences by January 26, Reuters said. 

India has been under intense scrutiny since the June 12 crash of a Boeing Dreamliner killed 260 people. India's aviation regulator has flagged multiple safety lapses at the airline. 

Air India bans another pilot who failed an alcohol test

In my view any airline pilot who fails a breath test while on duty should be sacked with immediate effect.

If an Air India pilot who likes a drink fails a test, however, they get a slap on the wrist and three months on the naughty step.

Air India this week took what it describes as "disciplinary action" after another of its pilots failed a pre-flight breathalyser test.

This time it is a female pilot, which is relatively rare, Travel Mole reported.

The unnamed pilot was given an automatic three-month suspension, which means she could be back flying passengers by July.

The pilot serves as a first officer flying Boeing 787 jets and failed the test before a scheduled flight from Delhi to Hyderabad last week.

Air India has not publicly commented on the issue. It's probably too ashamed.

All crew members are required to take a pre-flight alcohol test before duty under India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation rules. 

Earlier this year, Air India dismissed a pilot who failed a breathalyser test shortly after flying an international flight.

The pilot tested positive for alcohol after completing a flight from Phuket to Delhi.

The pilot was the senior in the cockpit, working the flight with a newly-appointed captain, unlike the latest case where the boozy pilot was caught before taking to the air.