New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- Air India has released a statement after one of its pilots was detained in Canada's Vancouver after he allegedly smelled of alcohol prior to operating a flight. In its first remarks addressing the incident, Air India said that the crew member was offloaded which led to the delay in the flight.

The airline also added that an investigation has been launched after the Canadian authorities raised concerns over the pilot's fitness to operate the flight.

"Flight AI186 from Vancouver to Delhi on 23 December 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 w...