DELHI- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a comprehensive probe into a 35-year-old Air India Express (IX) pilot death after operating a Srinagar (SXR) to Delhi (DEL) flight.
DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai has established a specialized investigation panel tasked with examining multiple factors, including medical protocols, airport emergency response, and potential improvements to crew health monitoring systems. The investigation comes amid growing industry concerns about pilot welfare and working conditions.
Photo: Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalAir India Pilot Death Under Probe
The investigation ordered by DGCA chief Faiz Ahmed Kidwai will be led by Vishal Yadav, Deputy Director of Air Safety, along with Group Captain Murtaza as a subject matter expert. This team has been instructed to submit findings within six months, focusing on several critical aspects of the incident.
Key areas under examination include whether the crew reported sickness to air traffic control while airborne, the appropriateness of ATC’s response, and a thorough review of the deceased pilot’s medical history.
The investigation will also evaluate whether proper precautions were taken during crew scheduling, particularly regarding pilots with medical restrictions.
The DGCA directive specifically mentions examining “whether any specific medical checks are required for such pilots to undergo before undertaking the flights” and assessing “the level of preparedness of the medical centre at the airport in handling such emergencies.”
Additionally, investigators will review existing guidelines and recommend changes if necessary.
Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh TekriwalTragic Incident
First Officer Armaan, who joined Air India Express in 2023 after leaving SpiceJet (SG), experienced a sudden cardiac arrest after safely landing flight IX-1153 on April 9, 2025.
According to reports, he vomited in the aircraft lavatory before collapsing in the forward galley. Despite being quickly transported to the airport medical center and subsequently to a private hospital in Vasant Kunj, he could not be saved.
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA), representing over 800 pilots across various Indian carriers, has issued a statement following the incident, calling for “transparent regulations that prioritize rest for pilots, safety, and humane scheduling practices.”
The association emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health support systems within airline organizations that are “active, accessible, and stigma-free.”
Photo: Pattharapong Sittirach | Wikimedia CommonsFlight Duty Time Limitations and Pilot Welfare Concerns
While not directly linking Armaan’s death to fatigue, numerous pilots have expressed longstanding concerns about working conditions in the Indian aviation sector.
New flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules addressing issues such as flight hours, rest periods, and night flying restrictions are scheduled to be implemented this summer after significant delays.
“Many pilots have lost their lives suddenly in the last few years, especially post-COVID, and we have been fighting for a more humane FDTL,” reported several senior pilots. “We just hope nothing else delays implementation of the new rules, something which we have seen in the past. Well-rested and not stressed pilots are key to safe flights.”
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