AI 171 crash fallout: Increase in sick leaves by pilots; peaked at 112 reporting ill on June 16

NEW DELHI: The June 12 Ahmedabad crash has had a psychological impact on Air India pilots that the airline has seen an increase in sick leaves. Four days after the crash, 112 AI pilots had reported sick. Aviation authorities are now asking airlines to take steps for mental well being of crew members.“Air India reported a minor increase in sick leaves reported by pilots across all fleets in the aftermath of the AI-171 accident. On June 16, 2025, a total of 112 pilots reported sick, comprising of 51 commanders and 61 first officers,” minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol told Lok Sabha Thursday.“The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has already issued medical circular regarding mental health of flight crews and air traffic controllers (in Feb 2023), which lays down guidelines for operators (scheduled and non-scheduled) and DGCA empanelled medical examiners,” Mohol added.The steps required under that are: “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. 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 the airlines operators.”“Additionally, on mental health monitoring, the organisations (scheduled and non-scheduled operators, flying training organisations and AAI) were also advised to have a peer support programme (PSP) in place for its employees. Organisations 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,” he added.