112 Pilots Report Sick Days After London-Bound Air India Flight Tragedy
New Delhi, India – Just days after the tragic crash of an Air India Dreamliner flight en route to London, a noticeable rise in pilot absenteeism has emerged. According to India’s Civil Aviation Ministry, 112 Air India pilots across various fleets called in sick on June 16, only four days after the deadly incident in Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives.
The crash of flight AI-171 on June 12, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, killed 241 passengers and 19 civilians on the ground. Miraculously, only one passenger survived.
In response to questions raised in Parliament, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol clarified that although there was no mass sick reporting, the airline did observe a small spike in medical leave requests. This included 51 senior pilots (commanders) and 61 first officers.
Mental Health in Aviation: A Growing Concern
New Guidelines for Psychological Wellbeing
Following the devastating crash, attention has turned toward mental health in aviation. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already issued guidelines in February 2023 requiring airlines to include mental health assessments during regular medical check-ups.
These directives aim to ensure that flight crew and air traffic controllers are emotionally fit to operate under high-stress conditions. Airlines and airport authorities were also advised to:
- Introduce specialised mental health training modules
- Establish Peer Support Programmes (PSPs) to offer confidential psychological help
- Monitor and assist employees facing emotional or psychological challenges
Air India Receives DGCA Show-Cause Notices
Safety Violations Linked to Crew Fatigue and Training
Amid the unfolding crisis, Air India has also confirmed receiving four show-cause notices from the DGCA. These notices pertain to breaches in:
- Crew fatigue management
- Training and rest compliance
- Operational safety procedures
These violations were based on the airline’s voluntary internal reports submitted over the past year. An Air India spokesperson stated, “We acknowledge receipt of these notices and will respond appropriately. Our commitment to safety remains firm.”
No Compensation Policy for Civilians Affected on the Ground
In a separate government reply, Minister Mohol revealed that India’s Civil Aviation Ministry currently has no official policy to offer compensation to civilians impacted by aircraft accidents, including those injured or killed on the ground.
Conclusion: Aviation Safety and Mental Health in the Spotlight
The aftermath of the Air India crash in Ahmedabad has triggered renewed scrutiny of aviation safety, mental health monitoring, and pilot welfare. As investigations continue and the DGCA ramps up regulatory oversight, the focus now shifts to how airlines worldwide will address pilot wellbeing, especially during crises.
