India’s aviation industry faces a deep crisis after the tragic Air India Flight AI-171 crash near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The disaster, which killed 260 people, has exposed serious problems in how airlines handle mental health for their crew. In the weeks since, pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers have reported high levels of stress, trauma, and fear, leading to record absenteeism and major disruptions across the aviation industry.
The crash of Air India Flight AI-171 is now the deadliest aviation disaster in India in forty years. Just days after the accident, 112 Air India pilots—51 commanders and 61 first officers—called in sick, a number confirmed by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in Parliament. This sudden shortage forced Air India to cut its international flights by 15% and announce a “safety pause,” giving staff access to psychologists and peer support. The event has sparked urgent calls for reform, with many saying the industry’s approach to mental health is outdated and not enough to protect crew or passengers.
Immediate Impact and Industry Response
The fallout from the Air India Flight AI-171 crash was swift and severe. Pilots and crew, especially those flying Boeing 787s, reported feeling anxious and traumatized. Many feared returning to work so soon after the tragedy. On June 16, only four days after the crash, the record number of sick reports from pilots forced Air India to ground many flights. This led to a 15% reduction in international operations, leaving thousands of passengers stranded or facing delays.
To address the crisis, Air India offered in-house psychologists and set up peer support channels for affected staff. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s top aviation regulator, responded by issuing a mental health alert in late July. The DGCA ordered all airlines and air traffic control organizations to strictly follow its mental health rules and to start new programs to help staff cope with trauma.
New Rules and Mandates
The DGCA’s mental health directive, first introduced in May 2023, became the main policy tool after the crash. The rules require:
- Mandatory psychological assessments for pilots and air traffic controllers during annual Class-1 medical exams. These include mental health screening and cognitive questionnaires.
- Peer Support Programmes (PSPs) in every airline, offering confidential, non-punitive help for crew members who need support.
- Regular training and awareness sessions to help staff recognize and manage mental health problems.
- Confidential self-reporting systems so crew can share mental health concerns without fear of being punished.
- Immediate trauma support after major incidents, including crisis counseling and resilience workshops.
After the crash, the DGCA told airlines to hold mandatory counseling sessions for all Boeing 787 crew and to run workshops on handling mental stress. Airlines were also told to activate their Peer Support Programmes and make sure all crew and air traffic controllers could access them.
Gaps in Implementation
Despite these new rules, many problems remain. Some DGCA-approved medical examiners say they are not sure how to interpret psychological assessments or what steps to take if a crew member shows signs of distress. There is confusion about how to balance privacy with safety, and not all airlines have fully set up their peer support programs.
Dr. Sangeeta Kujur, a DGCA-empanelled medical examiner, explained, “There is a lack of clarity among medical staff about what to do when a pilot or crew member reports mental health issues. We need better training and clear protocols.” This confusion means that some crew members may not get the help they need, or may be afraid to speak up about their struggles.
The Scale of the Problem
The numbers show just how serious the mental health crisis is in India’s aviation industry. The 112 Air India pilots who reported sick after the crash represent the largest single-day absenteeism in the airline’s history. The 15% reduction in international flights caused major disruptions for passengers and put extra pressure on the remaining staff.
Globally, the problem is not unique to India. A Harvard study found that 12.6% of pilots worldwide meet the criteria for depression, and 4.1% have had recent thoughts of suicide. These numbers highlight the urgent need for better mental health support in the aviation industry, both in India and around the world.
Voices from the Industry
Key stakeholders have spoken out about the crisis and what needs to change. The DGCA has issued urgent alerts and is now strictly enforcing its mental health directives. Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, confirmed the spike in pilot absenteeism and said the government is working to improve mental health support for aviation staff.
Neurosynk Research, India’s leading aviation psychology firm, has pledged to help airlines and air traffic control organizations scale up their mental health programs. The company offers tailored assessments, peer support program setup, and trauma support services.
Air India’s management has taken steps to support staff, including the “safety pause” and access to psychologists. However, some crew members and unions have criticized the airline for slow and inconsistent action. Many pilots and crew say they feel anxious, traumatized, and skeptical about early crash reports, especially suggestions that pilot suicide may have played a role. They strongly reject these claims and say more focus should be on systemic issues, not blaming individuals.
Effects on Crew, Passengers, and Safety
The psychological impact of the Air India Flight AI-171 crash has been severe. Crew morale is low, and many staff are struggling with trauma and fatigue. This has led to mass absenteeism, operational disruptions, and increased risk of further incidents. Airlines are now under strict scrutiny to follow DGCA rules or face penalties.
Passengers have also been affected. The crash and its aftermath have caused a spike in flight anxiety, even among experienced travelers. Psychiatrists report more cases of fear of flying, but Indian airlines do not yet offer formal programs to help passengers manage this anxiety. In contrast, airlines like British Airways and Lufthansa have long had such programs in place.
Step-by-Step Procedures for Mental Health Support
To address the crisis, airlines and regulators have put several steps in place:
- Mandatory Psychological Assessments: Every year, pilots and air traffic controllers must undergo mental health screening as part of their Class-1 medical exams. These assessments include cognitive tests and questionnaires about mood, stress, and coping skills.
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Peer Support Programme (PSP) Activation: Airlines must set up confidential PSPs, train peer supporters, and make sure crew members can access help without fear of punishment.
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Post-Trauma Workshops: After major incidents, airlines must hold workshops for affected staff. These focus on trauma debriefing, building resilience, and teaching coping strategies.
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Access to Counseling: Crew members must have access to psychologists, either in-house or through outside providers. Both one-on-one and group sessions are available.
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Reporting and Monitoring: Crew are encouraged to self-report mental health concerns. Medical examiners must document these reports and take action according to DGCA protocols.
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Operational Adjustments: Airlines may reduce flight schedules or reassign duties to give affected crew time to recover.
Expert Analysis and Solutions
Experts say that while the DGCA’s rules are strong on paper, real change will only come with better training, less stigma, and clearer protocols. Some suggest that airlines should offer paid leave for major life events like bereavement, divorce, or caregiving, to prevent stress from building up.
There is debate about the best way to support crew. Some worry that too much mandatory testing could make staff more anxious and less likely to report problems. Many believe that peer-led, trust-based programs work better because they encourage early help-seeking and reduce stigma.
Legal and ethical questions remain. Laws must balance the need for safety with the right to privacy. Healthcare professionals need clear rules about when they can report serious safety risks without breaking confidentiality.
International comparisons show that Indian airlines lag behind in some areas. For example, they do not offer formal “fear of flying” programs for passengers, unlike many global airlines. This points to a broader neglect of psychological safety in the aviation industry.
Historical Context and Recent Changes
Before 2023, mental health was not a priority in India’s aviation industry. There was little structured support for pilots, crew, or air traffic controllers. In 2023, the DGCA introduced its first comprehensive mental health directive, requiring psychological assessments and peer support programs. However, the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in 2025 showed that these measures were not enough, leading to stricter enforcement and new workshops.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Aviation Industry?
The DGCA is expected to tighten its rules even further in the coming months. New, more detailed protocols for psychological assessment and trauma management may be introduced. Industry-wide adoption of best practices, such as formal “fear of flying” programs for passengers and stronger peer support for crew, is likely but not yet in place.
The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is still investigating the Air India Flight AI-171 crash. Its final report could lead to more regulatory changes. Meanwhile, organizations like Neurosynk Research are working with airlines and regulators to scale up evidence-based mental health interventions.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For those seeking more information or support, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) provides updates and resources on its official website. The Ministry of Civil Aviation and companies like Neurosynk Research also offer guidance and services for aviation professionals.
Key Takeaways and Practical Guidance
- India’s aviation industry is at a turning point. The Air India Flight AI-171 disaster has made it clear that mental health can no longer be ignored.
- New rules are in place, but real support is still uneven. Stigma, lack of training, and unclear protocols continue to block progress.
- Immediate and long-term reforms are needed. Airlines must move from reactive to proactive mental health management to protect crew, ensure safety, and rebuild public trust.
- Crew members should use available support. If you work in aviation and feel stressed or traumatized, reach out to your airline’s peer support program, counseling services, or medical examiner.
- Passengers should know their rights. If you experience flight anxiety, ask your airline about available support and consider seeking help from a mental health professional.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Air India Flight AI-171 tragedy has forced the aviation industry to face its mental health crisis head-on. The coming months will be critical as airlines, regulators, and mental health experts work together to build a safer, more supportive environment for everyone in the skies.
For more information on mental health directives and aviation safety, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s official website.
By focusing on compassion, clear rules, and practical support, India’s aviation industry can begin to heal and set a new standard for mental health care—one that protects both crew and passengers for years to come.
Learn Today
Air India Flight AI-171 → A tragic aviation disaster near Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025, killing 260 people.
DGCA → India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation regulating mental health and airline safety.
Peer Support Programmes → Confidential assistance systems offering crew emotional support and trauma help.
Class-1 Medical Exam → Mandatory medical checkups for pilots including psychological and cognitive screenings.
Mental Health Directive → DGCA policy mandating psychological assessments, training, and trauma management for aviation staff.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Air India Flight AI-171 crash triggered a severe mental health crisis, exposing gaps in crew support. DGCA now enforces strict psychological assessments, peer programs, and trauma workshops to enhance aviation safety and support traumatized staff after this tragic disaster.
— By VisaVerge.com
