New Delhi | April 9, 2025 — A young Air India Express pilot died on Tuesday shortly after successfully landing a flight at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. The incident has left the aviation community shocked and grieving, and it has once again brought attention to pilot health and fatigue in the aviation sector.
Photo Credit – Times of India
What Happened?
Captain Armaan Chaudhary, 28, had just flown Air India Express flight IX 2537 from Srinagar to Delhi. After landing the aircraft safely around 2:30 PM, he reportedly vomited in the cockpit. He then walked to the airline’s briefing room, where he collapsed. Airport medical personnel responded immediately, but he was declared dead at the hospital. Preliminary assessments point to a cardiac arrest, but the final cause will be confirmed by a postmortem report.
Who Was Captain Armaan Chaudhary?
Captain Chaudhary was regarded as a disciplined and dedicated young pilot. He had previously worked with IndiGo before joining Air India Express. His career was on an upward trajectory, and he was well-liked by peers for his calm demeanor and professionalism.
His death, coming at such a young age and after completing a standard flight, has triggered concern across the industry.
Was It Fatigue or Overwork?
According to officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Chaudhary’s flight hours were well within the mandated limits. He had clocked 11 hours over the past seven days, far below the legal cap of 35 hours. The DGCA noted there were no violations of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations.
However, aviation insiders argue that compliance on paper doesn’t always reflect real-world fatigue. Factors like disrupted sleep, irregular duty hours, and mental stress can take a toll, even if total hours are within limits.
Airline & Industry Response
In an official statement, Air India Express expressed deep sorrow:
“Captain Armaan Chaudhary operated flight IX 2537 from Srinagar to Delhi. After landing safely, he reported unwell and collapsed. Despite immediate medical care, he could not be revived. We are offering full support to his family and cooperating with the authorities.”
Colleagues and senior pilots across airlines have echoed similar sentiments, many emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive view of pilot well-being—one that goes beyond duty hour tracking.
Larger Concerns in Aviation
The tragedy has reignited debate around pilot health, lifestyle stress, and fatigue. Just months ago, the DGCA proposed stricter rules to limit late-night flying and better manage fatigue. Those reforms have not yet been implemented.
A senior pilot from a private carrier, speaking anonymously, said:
“We follow the rules. But fatigue is complex. Mental pressure, continuous roster shifts, and poor rest windows aren’t always visible on a spreadsheet.”
The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPAI) has called for a renewed focus on both physical and psychological health monitoring, suggesting more frequent medical evaluations and stress management support.
No Technical Issues Reported
There were no technical issues reported with the flight or the aircraft. All passengers deboarded safely, and the flight operated on time. The co-pilot and cabin crew have not issued any public statements.
What Happens Next?
A postmortem report is awaited and will confirm the exact cause of death. So far, the DGCA has not announced any formal inquiry, but officials say they are closely observing the situation. Meanwhile, the aviation fraternity continues to mourn the loss of a talented young pilot and calls for more robust health safeguards for flying professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Captain Armaan Chaudhary, 28, died shortly after landing a flight from Srinagar to Delhi.
- Initial findings suggest a cardiac arrest, but confirmation awaits the autopsy.
- His flight schedule was within DGCA’s legal duty hour limits.
- The incident has reignited conversation around pilot fatigue, health, and mental stress.
- The DGCA’s previously proposed fatigue-related reforms remain on hold.