Canada’s transport authority has warned Air India that it could lose its flight authorisations if it fails to comply with regulations on alcohol consumption by flight crew, following the arrest of one of the airline’s pilots at Vancouver International Airport.

Transport Canada said the incident occurred on December 23, when the pilot was preparing to operate an Air India flight. In a statement issued on Friday, the agency said it would work with Air India and Indian aviation authorities to ensure appropriate follow-up action.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the pilot was arrested after receiving a “report of concern” involving an airline crew member. Police added that the investigation is ongoing and declined to provide further details.

An airport spokeswoman said the pilot had been preparing for Air India’s daily scheduled flight from Vancouver to Delhi. The flight was delayed for several hours but eventually departed safely.

According to flight tracking website FlightRadar24, the Air India flight on December 23, which was routed from Vancouver to Delhi via Vienna, was scheduled to leave at 3 pm but finally took off at 10:02 pm.

Air India did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Transport Canada noted that India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation has primary responsibility for regulatory oversight of Air India. However, it stressed that Canadian aviation rules strictly prohibit pilots and other crew members from performing duties within 12 hours of consuming alcohol or while under its influence.

The agency said airlines are responsible for ensuring that crew members assigned to flights are fit for duty. Failure to comply with these rules could lead to the suspension or cancellation of a Canadian Aviation Document under the Aeronautics Act.

Transport Canada also warned that airlines may face judicial and other penalties for violations of the regulations.