Air India Express pilot dies of cardiac arrest after vomiting in cockpit post-flight landing in Delhi

In a tragic incident, an Air India Express pilot lost his life due to cardiac arrest after completing a routine flight from Srinagar to Delhi on Tuesday, April 9. The pilot, identified as Captain Armaan, reportedly vomited inside the cockpit moments after landing the aircraft safely at Indira Gandhi International Airport.

According to airline sources, the 37-year-old pilot appeared visibly unwell after taxiing the aircraft and completing post-landing formalities. He was immediately moved to the airline’s dispatch office within the airport premises, where his condition deteriorated rapidly.

Fellow staff and airport medical personnel attempted to assist, but by the time he was transported to a nearby hospital, doctors declared him dead on arrival. The incident has sent shockwaves across India’s aviation community, reigniting concerns over pilot health and fatigue.

Air India Express issued an official statement expressing deep sorrow. “We deeply regret the loss of a valued colleague due to a medical condition. Our thoughts are with the family during this time of profound grief,” a spokesperson said, requesting the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of the deceased’s family.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is now under fresh scrutiny for deferring new pilot rest regulations. The proposed flight duty time limitation (FDTL) rules aimed to increase weekly rest hours and reduce night flying, but were delayed after airlines requested more time for compliance, citing staffing shortages.

Aviation experts believe incidents like these highlight the urgent need for comprehensive health checks and better fatigue management systems for airline crews. As India’s aviation sector grows rapidly, ensuring pilot wellness remains critical—not just for safety, but for preventing tragedies like this one.