Over 100 Air India pilots call in sick days after Ahmedabad crash that left 274 dead

PTC Web Desk:  Four days after a deadly Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash in Ahmedabad, over 100 pilots went on medical leave, junior Aviation Minister Murlidhar Mohol told Parliament on Thursday.

The aircraft lost thrust mid-air and crashed into a hostel building just two km from the airport, killing 274 persons. The minister said 51 Commanders and 61 First Officers submitted leave requests shortly after the tragic event, highlighting growing concerns over pilot mental health following traumatic incidents.

Mohol said the aviation sector must prioritise mental health assessments. In February 2023, airlines were directed to implement fast and effective mental health checks during medical exams. Airlines and airports were also told to offer special training for pilots and air traffic controllers to manage mental stress. Additionally, they were advised to create peer support groups to help crew members deal with mental health challenges.

Meanwhile, Air India confirmed it has received four show-cause notices from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for violating safety norms related to pilot fatigue and training procedures.

The airline admitted the notices were linked to voluntary disclosures made over the past year. These breaches reportedly include issues with cabin crew rest periods, training standards, and operational practices.

A spokesperson for the airline said, “We acknowledge receipt of these notices… and will respond accordingly. Air India remains committed to ensuring the safety of both crew and passengers.”

In total, the airline has been issued 13 DGCA notices in the past six months. Recent incidents include a fire in the auxiliary power unit of an Airbus A321 after landing in Delhi, and a Kochi-Mumbai flight that veered off the runway, damaging its engine cover. Additionally, a Delhi-Kolkata flight aborted takeoff, and a similar Delhi-Mumbai flight cancelled takeoff due to speed display issues.

The Air India Dreamliner crash occurred just 32 seconds after takeoff. A preliminary report from the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) suggested that both engine fuel supply switches were moved from the ‘RUN’ to ‘CUTOFF’ position, which would have shut down the engines.

These switches are designed to prevent accidental movement, but were found to have been toggled within one second of each other. This has led to media speculation that the action may have been deliberate.

A snippet of cockpit audio where one pilot asks the other if the switches were turned off—and receives a "no" in response—has sparked further controversy. However, the AAIB and the government have criticised such reports as “unverified” and “irresponsible.”

The US National Transportation Safety Board, which is assisting the investigation, also criticised the media coverage led by The Wall Street Journal.

Following the preliminary report, Indian airlines operating Boeing aircraft were instructed to inspect fuel switch systems. Air India later confirmed all checks were completed with no issues found.