A 28-year-old Air India Express pilot tragically passed away due to cardiac arrest while operating his fourth flight sector of the day in Bengaluru. The young pilot had recently tied the knot, making the sudden loss even more heartbreaking.
Air India Express released a statement expressing deep sorrow:
“We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of profound grief. We are extending all possible assistance to them as we all cope with this tremendous loss.”
The airline also appealed for privacy, urging people to avoid speculation as official procedures continue.
This incident comes amid growing concern over crew fatigue. In February, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) submitted a roadmap to the Delhi High Court aimed at reducing pilot fatigue. As part of the plan, weekly rest periods for pilots are set to increase from 36 to 48 hours starting July 1, 2025. Restrictions on night flying will be phased in from November 1, 2025.
The DGCA has committed to implementing 15 out of 22 revised clauses by July and the remaining seven by November. The Delhi High Court has instructed the DGCA to stick to this timeline, following pleas by pilot associations concerned about aviation safety and the well-being of flight crews.
This heartbreaking loss serves as a painful reminder of the importance of prioritizing the health and workload of aviation professionals.
