Air India Express pilot dies of cardiac arrest shortly after landing

A 28-year-old Air India Express pilot died after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest at Delhi’s IGI airport shortly after operating a Srinagar-Delhi flight on Wednesday evening, April 9, PTI reported.

The pilot, who had recently gotten married, was feeling unwell after landing and collapsed at the airline's dispatch office. He was immediately rushed to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead, according to the report.

Confirming the incident, an Air India Express spokesperson said, “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. We request all concerned to respect privacy at this time and avoid unnecessary speculation while we commit to assisting the relevant authorities in due process,” the airline added.

To combat pilot fatigue, the DGCA proposed stricter flight duty rules to the Delhi High Court in February, aiming for July 2025 implementation.

On December 6, 2024, the DGCA informed the court that the revised rules—aimed at enhancing weekly rest and reducing night flying—would be implemented from July 2025.

Key changes include extending weekly rest from 36 to 48 continuous hours, including two local nights. Operators must ensure no more than 168 hours pass between the end of one weekly rest period and the start of the next, and rest must be provided at the home or temporary home base.

The DGCA also proposed capping night flight time at eight hours, duty time at ten hours, and limiting night landings to two—down from the current six. The court had directed the DGCA to consult with pilot associations, airlines, and the civil aviation ministry on these revisions.