'Regret incident': Air India Issues Statement After Pilot Found Drunk on Vancouver, Delhi flight; Initiates Probe
Air India said it regretted the occurrence after one of its pilots on a Vancouver–Delhi flight on December 23 was found to be drunk by
Air India has come under the radar once again for operating a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner despite repetitive technical glitches and system degradations. The DGCA issued a show-cause notice to the airline, flagging non-compliance with the Minimum Equipment List for the flight operated on June 28. The airline has faced complaints in 2025, with the DGCA previously issuing notices over crew and compliance violations, training gaps and maintenance concerns.
As reported by PTI, the DGCA has noted safety concerns regarding aircraft dispatch, MEL compliance, and flight crew decision-making throughout the operation of flights AI 258 and AI 357. It is believed that these flights operate on the Delhi-Tokyo route. The regulator also said Air India had operated the plane despite prior knowledge of repeated hitches and system degradation.
DGCA Probes Boeing 777 Engine Failure After Mid-Air Shutdown
The expansions came days after the DGCA began probing an Air India incident involving a mid-air engine failure and a rushed return to Delhi airport. The Boeing 777-300ER aeroplane had seen the oil pressure in its right-hand engine drop to zero soon after take-off, forcing the crew to shut it down mid-climb. The Ministry of Civil Aviation had also noted the Air India flight AI-887 incident and sought a comprehensive report from the airline.
A statement from Air India said the crew operating AI-887 decided to return to Delhi due to a technical issue, in line with standard operating procedures. It added that the aircraft is undergoing necessary checks, while a replacement plane departed with all passengers on board. The aircraft, carrying 335 people, was flying for approximately an hour before returning to Delhi.
Air India to Bring Back Boeing 787-8
The Tata Group airline also outlined its 2026 plans on Wednesday, confirming that the first two Boeing 787-8 planes from its legacy fleet will return to service in February after a full interior refit. Air India’s CCO Nipun Aggarwal added in a letter to loyalty programme members that the refit of its 777 fleet will also commence this year. Six new wide-body aircraft, comprising 787s and A350S, are slated to arrive in the future.
Source: The Financial Express
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