Air India Express Pilot Operating Srinagar-Delhi Flight Dies of Cardiac Arrest Shortly After Landing

An Air India Express pilot tragically suffered a fatal cardiac arrest at Delhi airport shortly after successfully completing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi on the evening of Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

The airline confirmed that the pilot was immediately taken to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival, reported The Hindu.

Photo Credit: PTI

According to multiple sources within the airline, the pilot, identified as Armaan, reportedly vomited inside the aircraft following its arrival in Delhi.

He later collapsed at the airline's dispatch office at Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport and was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed his death.

"We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague owing to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of immense sorrow. We are extending all possible support to them as we come to terms with this tremendous loss," an Air India Express spokesperson said in an official statement.

The airline further appealed for sensitivity and discretion: "We kindly request everyone to respect the family's privacy at this time and refrain from unwarranted speculation, while we remain committed to assisting the relevant authorities in the appropriate process."

DGCA Plans Increased Rest Periods for Pilots

Earlier in February, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had laid out a proposed phased roadmap aimed at implementing stricter limits on pilots' duty hours to mitigate fatigue among flight crew, as part of a submission to the Delhi High Court.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the proposed changes include increasing pilots' weekly rest periods from 36 to 48 hours, effective from 1 July 2025, and gradually curbing night flight hours starting from 1 November 2025.

On 24 February, the Delhi High Court directed the DGCA to adhere strictly to its timeline for implementing the revised norms on duty hours and rest periods for pilots.

Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju was informed by the DGCA's counsel that an affidavit had been submitted detailing that 15 out of the 22 revised clauses in the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) would be implemented from 1 July 2025, with the remaining clauses taking effect from 1 November.

Lawyers representing pilot associations requested the court to issue directions to ensure that the DGCA complies rigorously with the timeline outlined in the affidavit.

In response, DGCA's counsel affirmed, "We have already submitted our affidavit and are bound by it. The court may now consider disposing of the writ petitions, as there is nothing left to be adjudicated."