A tragic incident involving Air India has been reported, where a first officer passed away in Bali after suffering a sudden heart attack during a scheduled layover. The airline confirmed that the pilot had been on official rest following a recent international flight and that all required safety and medical protocols had been followed prior to the incident.
According to information shared by the airline, the pilot, who was approximately 40 years old, had operated a flight from Delhi to Bali the previous day. After completing his duties, he stayed at a hotel as part of the mandatory rest period assigned to crew members between flights. During this layover, he reportedly began experiencing severe physical discomfort, prompting immediate concern.
Upon noticing his condition, arrangements were quickly made to transport him to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. At the hospital, doctors determined that he had suffered a heart attack. Despite prompt medical intervention and efforts by the attending healthcare team, the pilot could not be revived and was declared deceased shortly thereafter.
In an official statement, an Air India spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the airline was profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of its cockpit crew member. The airline also extended its condolences to the pilot’s family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. The statement, cited by Press Trust of India, confirmed that all possible medical assistance had been provided, but unfortunately, it was not sufficient to save his life.
An airline official further clarified that the deceased pilot had undergone all mandatory medical examinations in recent months, as required for active flying personnel, and had been found fit with no known pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, it was confirmed that he had been operating strictly within the permissible flying-hour limits set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, ensuring that fatigue or regulatory violations were not contributing factors.
At present, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident have not been disclosed. The unexpected nature of the event has nonetheless drawn attention to the health risks faced by aviation professionals, even when all regulatory and medical standards are met.
