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A senior official said that in a medical emergency, the aviation regulator DGCA may review the framework of pilot fitness aspects and response systems at airports.
The plan also comes from the background of the death of an Indian Express pilot, due to medical conditions in the national capital after flying from Srinagar earlier this month.
The pilot runs a flight from Srinagar to Delhi and feels uncomfortable after landing at Delhi Airport. Sources said he was taken to the hospital to die.
The senior official said Wednesday that the Civil Aviation Administration (DGCA) may review the framework to assess pilot fitness, airport medical emergency response systems and other related aspects.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) in this regard may be reviewed by the Supervisor.
The specific details cannot be determined immediately.
Last week, the Airline Pilot Association (ALPA) said there was an urgent need to develop transparent regulations that prioritize rest personnel to pilot, safety and humane dispatch practices.
ALPA claims to represent pilots from approximately 800 domestic airlines and is part of the International Airline Pilot Association (IFALPA).
The association also said the premature death of Air India Express pilots raised disturbing questions about pilot welfare, mental health and working conditions in the Indian aviation industry.
Furthermore, the group stressed the need for a comprehensive mental health support system within the airline organization, not just check boxes, but also an active, accessible and stigmatized service.
At the same time, starting from July 1, airlines will implement pilot duty and rest time in a phased manner, thereby providing pilots with more rest time.
publishing – April 17, 2025 07:12 AM IST
