ALPA Calls for Transparent Pilot Rest Norms After Air India Express Tragedy

The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA) on Thursday urged aviation authorities to implement transparent and humane regulations around pilot rest and scheduling, following the sudden death of a 36-year-old pilot a day earlier.

The deceased, an Air India Express pilot, reportedly collapsed due to a medical condition shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi. The incident has reignited concerns over the demanding schedules and fatigue faced by airline crew members.

In a statement, ALPA—representing nearly 800 pilots across various domestic carriers—emphasized that the safety and well-being of flight crews must be treated as a regulatory priority. The association is part of the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), a global body advocating for pilots’ rights and aviation safety.

“There is an urgent need for clearly defined, transparent guidelines that prioritize adequate rest periods and reasonable scheduling. These are not just labor issues—they are safety issues,” ALPA said.

While the cause of the pilot’s death is yet to be officially confirmed, the tragedy has sparked conversations within the aviation sector about chronic fatigue, irregular rosters, and mounting stress among flight crew.

Industry insiders say increasing flight frequencies, understaffing, and commercial pressures often lead to pilots operating under less-than-ideal conditions, potentially compromising their health and flight safety.

ALPA has called for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airlines to jointly revisit current rostering standards and ensure they meet international best practices for crew fatigue management