In a heartbreaking incident, First Officer Armaan, a 36-year-old Air India Express pilot, passed away due to cardiac arrest shortly after safely landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi. The young pilot, who had recently tied the knot, collapsed at Delhi Airport after completing his duty, leaving the aviation community and the nation in mourning.
Armaan had completed a round trip between Delhi and Srinagar on Wednesday. After landing back in the capital, he reportedly vomited in the aircraft lavatory and collapsed in the galley area. Despite the cabin crew and ground staff rushing him to the airport medical center and later to a private hospital in Vasant Kunj, doctors were unable to revive him.
Air India Express confirmed the tragic news and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of their colleague. “We deeply regret the loss of a valued team member. Our thoughts are with his family, and we are offering all possible support during this incredibly difficult time,” the airline said in a statement.
This incident has reignited critical conversations around pilot health, rest, and working conditions in Indian aviation. The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA), which represents over 800 Indian pilots, issued a statement stressing the urgent need for more humane duty scheduling and robust mental health support. While there is no direct evidence linking Armaan’s death to fatigue, pilots across the industry say they’ve long raised concerns about grueling rosters and insufficient rest periods.
India’s aviation sector has been under increasing pressure post-Covid, with reports of heightened stress and sudden health incidents among flight crews. The upcoming implementation of revised Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL), expected this summer, aims to address some of these concerns by ensuring longer rest intervals and better night flight restrictions. However, pilots remain cautious, hoping that the rules are enforced without further delays.
The tragic passing of First Officer Armaan is not just a personal loss — it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the well-being of those who ensure our skies remain safe. Behind every smooth landing is a human being carrying the weight of responsibility, and it’s time their health and dignity were treated with the seriousness they deserve.
