Video broadcasted by NDTV →
DailyDigest360's take on the News →
Ahmedabad Air India Crisis: Pilot Exodus and the Urgent Spotlight on Pilot Mental Well-being
  • 692 views
  • 2 min read

The recent crash of an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, and the subsequent mass leave taken by Air India pilots, has cast a spotlight on pilot mental health and safety protocols within the aviation industry. The tragic incident, which occurred on June 12, 2025, involved flight AI 171 en route to London Gatwick, crashing into a hostel building shortly after takeoff, killing 274 people.

In the aftermath of the crash, on June 16, 2025, 112 Air India pilots, including 51 commanders and 61 first officers, reported sick. This mass leave has triggered serious concerns about the psychological well-being of flight crews, especially following such a devastating accident. While Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol clarified that this uptick did not qualify as mass sick reporting, it did reflect the emotional and psychological impact within the workforce.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already taken steps to address mental health issues in the aviation sector prior to the crash. In February 2023, the DGCA issued a circular recommending airlines to develop standalone training modules for flight crew and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) to help identify and manage mental health challenges. Additionally, airlines and aviation bodies were advised to implement a Peer Support Programme (PSP) as a proactive and non-punitive approach to support aviation personnel dealing with stress or psychological issues.

Following the Ahmedabad crash, the DGCA reiterated the importance of these measures, emphasizing the need for customized training capsules for flight crew and ATCOs to manage the adverse effects of mental health conditions. Minister Mohol also stated that airlines were issued notices in February 2023 requiring them to ensure "quick and effective methods to assess mental health" during medical tests.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) preliminary report indicated that the fuel control switches transitioned from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position moments after lift-off, causing the aircraft to lose thrust. While the official investigation is ongoing, speculation about potential pilot error has emerged, prompting strong reactions from pilot associations. The Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) and the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) have rejected claims of human error, calling it a "reckless and unfounded insinuation". ALPA India President Sam Thomas stated that the investigation seemed to be presuming the guilt of pilots. The ICPA expressed deep disturbance over speculative narratives, especially the insinuation of pilot suicide, deeming it a gross violation of ethical reporting.

The focus on pilot mental health also brings to light the pressures and unique challenges faced by aviation professionals. Pilots undergo rigorous physical exams every six months, but psychological evaluations are not as formalized. There are concerns that pilots may be hesitant to self-report mental health issues due to fears of being grounded and losing their livelihood.

In light of the Ahmedabad crash and the subsequent concerns raised, the aviation industry is urged to prioritize and strengthen mental health support systems for pilots and aviation personnel. This includes implementing comprehensive mental health assessments, providing access to peer support programs, and fostering a culture where individuals feel safe to seek help without fear of reprisal. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of both flight crews and passengers.


Writer - Rahul Menon
With a keen interest in sports and community events, Rahul is launching his journalism career by covering stories that unite people. He's focused on developing his reporting skills, capturing the excitement of local competitions and the spirit of community gatherings. Rahul aims to go beyond scores and outcomes, delving into athletes' personal stories and the impact of these events on local culture and morale. His passion for sports drives him to explore the deeper connections within the community.
Advertisement

Latest Post


Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
A recent video clip of Philadelphia Flyers' rising star Matvei Michkov expressing his dislike for the "dump and chase" style of hockey has stirred up a playful clash with the team's new head coach, Rick Tocchet. The 20-year-old Michkov, known for his...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
Wayne Rooney has voiced his strong opinions on the persistent issue of racism in football, recounting a distressing experience during his time managing DC United in Major League Soccer. Speaking on his new BBC podcast, "The Wayne Rooney Show," the fo...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is escalating its conflict with the Election Commission of India (ECI), accusing the poll body of inaction regarding alleged voter list irregularities during the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The SP has produced copi...

Sports  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Edmonton Oilers have been actively exploring the European market to bolster their forward depth, particularly after signing David Tomasek. While Tomasek is expected to compete for a spot on the NHL roster, reports indicate that the Oilers also co...

Advertisement
Entertainment  |  Aug 18, 2025
Taylor Swift has once again demonstrated her unparalleled influence in the music industry, this time with the rapid sell-out of the vinyl variants for her upcoming album, "The Life Of A Showgirl". The new variants, unveiled on Monday, August 18th, we...

Technology  |  Aug 18, 2025
Sherrod Brown, who recently served as a United States Senator for Ohio from 2007 to 2025, has announced his candidacy for the 2026 special election in Ohio. Brown, a Democrat, is seeking to reclaim a Senate seat after losing his re-election bid in 20...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
The Rajya Sabha experienced a day of disruption on Monday as the Opposition staged a walkout over the issue of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. Despite the turmoil, the government successfully pushed through the India...

World  |  Aug 18, 2025
A controversy has erupted in Assam over a question included in a recent Agricultural Development Officer (ADO) examination regarding the Manipur crisis, specifically concerning the absence of any mention of Kuki militants in the answer choices. The A...

Advertisement

About   •   Terms   •   Privacy
© 2025 DailyDigest360