DGCA launches investigation into Air India Express pilot’s death from cardiac arrest at Delhi airport

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has initiated an inquiry into the sudden death of an Air India Express pilot who reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has raised fresh concerns over pilot health, working conditions, and medical fitness protocols in India’s civil aviation sector.

According to officials, the pilot collapsed in the airport premises shortly before he was scheduled to operate a flight. He was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility but was declared dead on arrival. Preliminary reports suggest that the cause of death was a cardiac arrest, though a detailed post-mortem report is awaited.

The deceased pilot, whose identity has not been officially disclosed yet, was in his 30s and had passed his most recent medical fitness assessment. His sudden death has triggered a strong reaction within the aviation community, leading the DGCA to take swift action by launching a formal investigation.

“We have taken serious note of the incident and ordered a thorough probe,” a senior DGCA official said. “The inquiry will cover all aspects, including the pilot’s recent medical history, duty schedule, rest periods, and whether any stress-related factors could have contributed to the tragedy.”

Sources within Air India Express have confirmed that the pilot had completed all mandatory training and health checks, including a recent simulator session and routine medical evaluations. However, officials are now examining whether current health screening standards are adequate, especially given the physically and mentally demanding nature of aviation duties.

The incident has once again brought to the forefront the discussion around increasing health risks faced by aviation personnel, particularly pilots. In recent years, several cases of pilot deaths or medical emergencies, both in-flight and on-ground, have sparked debates about fatigue, stress, and the effectiveness of medical checks.

A senior commander at a private airline, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Pilots are under immense pressure due to erratic schedules, night flights, and high operational demands. While medical checks are routine, they may not always detect underlying or stress-induced issues.”

Union representatives and pilot associations have also expressed concern and called for a review of medical assessment protocols. The Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) issued a statement mourning the pilot’s death and urging authorities to take a deeper look into occupational health risks in the aviation industry.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a fellow aviator. The DGCA must reevaluate current fitness screening mechanisms and also focus on stress management, mental health, and adequate rest periods for flight crew,” the ICPA stated.

Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India under the Tata Group, has extended condolences to the pilot’s family and said it is cooperating fully with the DGCA’s investigation. The airline also assured that it adheres strictly to DGCA guidelines on crew health and rest requirements.

In light of the incident, the DGCA has hinted at the possibility of revising certain policies, particularly those related to periodic health checks and duty timings. Officials are also considering enhanced health monitoring systems, including ECG screenings and stress assessments, particularly for younger pilots who may not be flagged under current age-based testing criteria.

This tragedy comes at a time when India’s aviation industry is witnessing rapid growth, with airlines expanding fleets and adding new routes. While this expansion demands a larger and more active workforce, it also raises questions about how well airlines and regulators are equipped to ensure the well-being of their personnel.

The DGCA has stated that the investigation report will be submitted in due course and that any findings will be used to improve safety and health standards across the aviation sector.