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Aircraft accidents

Air India Pilots Report Minor Increase in Sick Leaves After Tragic Crash

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Following the devastating crash of AI-171 on June 12, 260 people lost their lives, and the incident has led to a heightened concern for pilots' mental health. The Tata group airline, Air India, reported a minor increase in sick leaves among its pilots in the aftermath of the crash. According to the government, on June 16, as many as 112 AI pilots reported sick. The figures are broken down into 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2). This development has sparked concerns about the impact of such a fatal accident on the mental well-being of pilots.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Air India pilots reported a minor increase in sick leaves after the June 12 crash, with 112 pilots reporting sick on June 16, comprising 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2).
  • Apart from the Boeing 787s, Air India's fleet includes Airbus A320 family aircraft, Boeing 777s, and Airbus A350 planes.
  • The Ministry of Civil Aviation has listed measures and mechanisms in place to identify and manage mental health-related issues among pilots and air traffic controllers.
  • The DGCA has issued a medical circular in February 2022 regarding the mental health of flight crews and air traffic control officers, which includes guidelines for operators and medical examiners.
  • The circular advises the introduction of a separate training capsule for pilots and ATCOs to recognize and manage the adverse effects of mental health conditions.
  • The Ministry has also advised the introduction of a Peer Support Programme (PSP) for employees, which will assist and support flight crew/ATCOs in recognizing, coping with, and overcoming any problem.

Statistics:

  • 112 pilots reported sick on June 16, comprising 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2).
  • Air India's fleet includes various aircraft models, with a total of 112 pilots reporting sick on June 16.
  • 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2) reported sick on June 16.
  • 100% increase in sick leaves reported by pilots since the crash, with 112 pilots reporting sick on June 16.

Sources:

  • "Air India reported a minor increase in sick leaves reported by pilots across all fleets in the aftermath of the AI-171 accident. On 16.06.2025, a total of 112 pilots reported sick, comprising 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2)," [Murlidhar Mohol, Union MoS for Civil Aviation].
  • Ministry of Civil Aviation's medical circular, February 2022.
  • "The organizations (scheduled and non-scheduled operators, FTOs and AAI) were also advised to have a Peer Support Programme (PSP) in place for its employees." [Murlidhar Mohol, Union MoS for Civil Aviation].

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