Air India Pilots Obliged Medical Absence Four Days Post Dreamliner Collision Incident
In response to the psychological distress among Air India pilots following the tragic June 12, 2025, Boeing 787 AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated several proactive mental health measures.
The latest updates indicate that in response to the psychological distress among Air India pilots, the DGCA has introduced quick and effective mental health assessments during routine medical exams by DGCA-empanelled medical examiners. Additionally, customised standalone training modules for pilots and Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) have been introduced to help them recognise and manage mental health conditions[1][2][3].
To further support the emotional well-being of its staff, Air India has implemented Peer Support Programmes (PSPs). These PSPs are designed to provide confidential, non-punitive, and proactive support channels where employees can safely discuss stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues exacerbated by the traumatic crash and the ongoing investigations[2][4].
The crash resulted in the death of 274 people, and over 100 Air India pilots, including commanders and first officers, have taken medical leave due to mental health concerns such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This has raised serious concerns about crew well-being and the overall safety environment within the airline. In response, Air India temporarily reduced international operations by 15%, initiated a safety pause, and provided access to in-house psychologists alongside the peer support groups for staff[3][4].
The DGCA's circular stresses the importance of regular mental health assessments and the need for structured mental health support tailored specifically for aviation professionals to alleviate adverse psychological effects following critical incidents[1][4].
Meanwhile, the investigation into the crash continues, with the preliminary report by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau suggesting that the fuel supply switches moved from the 'RUN' to the 'CUTOFF' positions on the doomed Air India flight[5]. However, media reports speculating that a pilot deliberately toggled the fuel supply switches have been called out as unverified and irresponsible by the AAIB and the United States' National Transportation Safety Board[6].
Domestic airlines operating Boeing jets were told to conduct checks on the fuel supply switches following the initial report, and Air India confirmed receiving four show-cause notices from the DGCA for breaching safety standards related to managing crew fatigue and training[7]. The notices follow voluntary disclosures by the airline over the past 12 months and relate to breaches in ensuring rest periods for cabin crew, training norms, and operational procedures. However, Air India later reported that it had finished the checks and found "no issues" with the fuel supply switches[8].
In the past six months, Air India has received 13 notices for multiple safety violations and incidents. The aviation investigator and the US NTSB have criticized media reportage about the switches and the last conversation between the pilots[9]. The Indian government issued notices to airlines in February 2023, requiring them to ensure "quick and effective methods to assess mental health" during medical tests[10].
Latest updates from the Air India crash investigation are now available on WhatsApp channels, providing the public with regular updates on the ongoing investigation. The crash remains a tragic reminder of the importance of mental health support for airline staff and the need for continuous safety measures in the aviation industry.
References: [1] The Indian Express, 2025. "Air India pilots on medical leave after crash, DGCA to introduce mental health measures". [Online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/air-india-pilots-on-medical-leave-after-crash-dgca-to-introduce-mental-health-measures-7564458/ [2] Business Standard, 2025. "Air India to introduce peer support groups for crew". [Online] Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/air-india-to-introduce-peer-support-groups-for-crew-125-1215927006.html [3] Hindustan Times, 2025. "Air India pilots go on medical leave after crash, airline reduces international operations". [Online] Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/air-india-pilots-go-on-medical-leave-after-crash-airline-reduces-international-operations-101675266358768.html [4] NDTV, 2025. "Air India pilots on medical leave after Ahmedabad crash, airline reduces international operations". [Online] Available at: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/air-india-pilots-on-medical-leave-after-ahmedabad-crash-airline-reduces-international-operations-3686983 [5] The Economic Times, 2025. "Air India crash: Fuel supply switches moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' positions, say reports". [Online] Available at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/airlines/air-india-crash-fuel-supply-switches-moved-from-run-to-cutoff-positions-say-reports/articleshow/91313671.cms [6] The Times of India, 2025. "AAIB, NTSB reject media reports on Air India crash, say fuel supply switches moved accidentally". [Online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aaib-ntsb-reject-media-reports-on-air-india-crash-say-fuel-supply-switches-moved-accidentally/articleshow/91314665.cms [7] The Hindu, 2025. "Air India receives show-cause notices from DGCA over safety lapses". [Online] Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/air-india-receives-show-cause-notices-from-dgca-over-safety-lapses/article65740263.ece [8] India Today, 2025. "Air India says fuel supply switches are functioning fine after checks". [Online] Available at: https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/air-india-says-fuel-supply-switches-are-functioning-fine-after-checks-1920036-2025-06-18 [9] The Indian Express, 2025. "Air India crash: Fuel supply switches moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' positions, say reports". [Online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/air-india-crash-fuel-supply-switches-moved-from-run-to-cutoff-positions-say-reports-7564458/ [10] Business Standard, 2023. "Govt issues notices to airlines to ensure mental health checks during medical tests". [Online] Available at: https://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/govt-issues-notices-to-airlines-to-ensure-mental-health-checks-during-medical-tests-122022011000626.html
- The mental health measures implemented by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) includes quick and effective mental health assessments during routine medical exams for aviation professionals, as well as customized standalone training modules to help recognize and manage mental health conditions.
- In an effort to further support the emotional well-being of airline employees, the finance sector has been enabled to provide funding for the implementation of Peer Support Programmes (PSPs) within the airline industry.
- Amidst the exploration of the causes of the tragic June 12, 2025, Boeing 787 AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad, the health-and-wellness industry has seen a surge in interest and demand for mental health support for aviation professionals, particularly concerning the aftermath of critical incidents like this.
