India, Jan. 2 -- Transport Canada has flagged a serious safety concern involving Air India, after a complaint by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) alleged that an Air India captain was under the influence of alcohol before duty at Vancouver airport.

Air India on Thursday said in a statement that Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna on December 23, 2025, experienced a last-minute delay after one of the cockpit crew members was offloaded prior to departure.

Canadian authorities raised concerns regarding the pilot's fitness for duty, following which the crew member was taken for further inquiry, an Air India spokesperson said.

In accordance with safety protocols, an alternate pilot was rostered to operate the flight, res...