A Customs official said the pilot, whose name was not disclosed, was attempting "surreptitious removal" of gold bars by concealing them in his checked-in baggage and hand baggage.
Seven gold bars worth Rs 15.6 lakh were seized from his possession, he said.
"He has admitted to possession, carriage and concealment of bars which were being smuggled into India," the official said.
There was no immediate comment from Air India.