India, Jan. 1 -- An Air India pilot was offloaded before take-off in Vancouver on December 23 after Canadian authorities raised concern about "fitness for duty", the Tata-owned carrier confirmed on Thursday.

The incident resulted in a delay for passengers on board flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi.

According to a report by India Today, a staffer at the Vancouver airport allegedly saw the pilot "sipping on wine" or buying liquor, following which the employee complained to the authorities, citing "alcohol smell". In response, a breathalyser test was conducted, which he failed, leading to his removal from the flight.

While Air India did not confirm that the pilot was offloaded due to being drunk, it said that the crew member was taken ...