New Delhi, INDIA: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is expected to reassess its existing framework concerning pilot fitness and the medical emergency response system at airports. This development follows the recent death of an Air India Express pilot who reportedly succumbed to a medical condition shortly after operating a flight from Srinagar to Delhi on April 9th this year.
According to a PTI report citing officials, the pilot began feeling unwell upon landing at Delhi airport and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he was later declared dead. In response, the DGCA is likely to review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) related to pilot health assessments, emergency response protocols at airports, and other relevant aspects. Specific details of the review have not yet been disclosed.
Pilot Welfare and Mental Health Come into Focus
The incident has reignited concerns across the aviation industry regarding pilot welfare and systemic support. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA), which represents around 800 pilots across various domestic airlines and is affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Association (IFALPA), stressed the immediate need for transparent and enforceable regulations. These should prioritize pilot rest, operational safety, and humane scheduling practices.
ALPA noted that the unfortunate passing of the pilot raised serious questions about the mental health infrastructure, working conditions, and overall well-being of aviation professionals in India. The association urged airlines to implement comprehensive mental health support systems that are more than formal checklists and demanding services that are proactive, readily accessible, and free of stigma.
Meanwhile, Indian carriers are preparing to implement revised regulations regarding pilot duty and rest hours. Set to be introduced in a phased manner from July 1, the new norms will mandate extended rest periods for flight crews, aiming to bolster both safety and pilot welfare across the sector.
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