New Delhi, India – July 24, 2025 – The Ministry of Civil Aviation today informed that Air India has observed a “minor increase” in sick leaves reported by its pilots across all fleets, particularly in the aftermath of the AI-171 accident. On June 16, a few days after the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI-171, a total of 112 pilots called in sick.
In response to an unstarred question raised by BJP MP Jai Prakash regarding mass sick leave by Air India pilots, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol stated, “On 16.06.2025, a total of 112 pilots reported sick, comprising 51 Commanders (P1) and 61 First Officers (P2).” The AI-171 crash, which occurred on June 12, involved a Boeing 787-8 aircraft bound for London Gatwick that plummeted into a building shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, tragically claiming 260 lives (241 passengers and 19 on the ground).
In light of such incidents and the critical importance of mental well-being in the aviation sector, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had already released a comprehensive medical circular on February 22, 2023. This circular (Medical Circular 01 of 2023) provides clear guidelines for both airline operators (scheduled and non-scheduled) and DGCA-approved medical examiners to follow concerning the mental health of flight crews and air traffic controllers (ATCOs).
MoS Mohol reiterated these guidelines, stating, “Quick and effective methods to assess mental health that can easily be performed by the DGCA-empanelled medical examiners during the Class 1/2/3 medical examination are recommended.” He further added, “Introduction of a separate, standalone, and customised training capsule for the flight crew/ATCOs to recognise and manage the adverse effects of mental health conditions is also advised to all airline operators.”
To further support aviation personnel, the Ministry emphasized the importance of Peer Support Programmes (PSP). “Additionally, on mental health monitoring, the organisations (scheduled and non-scheduled operators, FTOs [Flying Training Organisations] and AAI [Airports Authority of India]) were also advised to have a Peer Support Programme (PSP) in place for their employees,” MoS Mohol stated. He stressed that these organizations are required to “enable, facilitate and ensure access to this proactive and non-punitive programme that will assist and support flight crew/ATCOs in recognising, coping with and overcoming any problem.”
The revelations come as the aviation industry globally increasingly focuses on the psychological well-being of its personnel, recognizing the immense stress and demanding nature of their roles, particularly after traumatic events like aircraft accidents. Air India, in line with DGCA directives, had previously launched its own peer support program for pilots in October 2023.