One pilot, a 28-year-old Air India Express pilot who is newly married, died of a cardiac arrest.
“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,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.
“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 spokesperson added.
DGCA’s Roadmap: Increased Rest Periods for Pilots
Last month in February, DGCA had advocated a phased road map. This road map focused on phasing in stricter conditions on when and how long flight pilots can be allowed to operate to reduce pilot fatigue among the air crew in a submission before Delhi high court.
The roadmap suggested doubling pilots’ weekly rest from 36 to 48 hours from July 1, 2025, and gradually introducing decreased night flying from November 1, 2025.
Delhi High Court Directs DGCA to Stick to Schedule
The Delhi high court on February 24 instructed the DGCA to adhere strictly to its schedule in bringing the updated norms on pilot duty and rest periods in phases from July 1.
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju was apprised by the counsel for the DGCA that they had submitted an affidavit that of the 22 amended clauses of the civil aviation requirement (CAR), 15 would be implemented from July 1, 2025 and the rest would implement by November 1.
Pilots’ Associations Emphasize Timeline Compliance
The petitioner pilots associations’ counsel requested the court to issue orders that the timelines laid out in the affidavit by the respondents must be strictly followed.
This, the DGCA’s counsel added, “We have already submitted the affidavit and we are bound by the affidavit. The court may decide to dispose of the writ petitions as nothing remains in the pleas now.”
