In a significant revelation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday that over 100 Air India pilots had reported sick just days after the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash, which claimed the lives of 241 people, including 12 crew members and 229 passengers. The information was disclosed in a written response to a question posed by BJP MP from Hardoi, Jai Prakash.
Prakash had inquired whether there had been instances of mass sick leave taken by Air India flight crew in the aftermath of the June 12 disaster. The government’s response confirmed a noticeable spike in the number of pilots reporting unfit for duty, citing possible links to the psychological trauma caused by the fatal incident.
Ministry Downplays Spike, But Confirms Numbers
Responding on behalf of the ministry, Murlidhar Mohol, Minister of State for Civil Aviation, referred to the increase as a “minor” rise in sick leave requests across various Air India fleets. However, the figures disclosed painted a more serious picture.
“On June 16, a total of 112 pilots reported sick, including 51 commanders (Pilot-in-Command) and **61 First Officers (co-pilots),” the minister said in the written reply.
This figure is significantly higher than the usual number. According to aviation insiders, Air India employs approximately 3,500 pilots, and under normal conditions, 60 to 70 pilots are typically on leave each day for routine reasons—ranging from health issues and personal emergencies to scheduled rest periods.
Psychological Fallout and Crew Trauma
Sources within Air India and the civil aviation sector have revealed that many pilots experienced emotional distress and psychological trauma following the horrific crash of AI-171, which has become one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.
“Several crew members expressed symptoms of anxiety, fear, and acute stress. Some even developed medical issues associated with post-traumatic stress,” a senior official disclosed.
Many pilots reportedly found it difficult to return to the cockpit, citing fear, panic attacks, or flashbacks following the incident. Crew members across multiple bases also sought medical consultations and therapy, highlighting the emotional toll of working in high-risk, high-responsibility environments after such catastrophic events.
Operational Disruptions and Flight Cancellations
The sudden rise in sick leave applications contributed to significant operational disruptions for the national carrier. From June 12 to June 17, a total of 83 flights operated by Air India and Air India Express were cancelled. These cancellations were attributed to a combination of factors, including:
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The trauma-induced unavailability of the flight crew
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The temporary closure of Iranian airspace amid regional tensions
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Enhanced safety inspections of the Boeing Dreamliner fleet following the crash