Air India: Pilot Panic & Flight Disruptions After Crash
- An air India pilot experienced a panic attack seconds before take-off, just a day after the crash that killed 279 people.
- The pilot was at the controls of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner – the same as the tragic flight AI 171 – when he was overcome by nerves.
- He was in the line-up queuing to take off from Delhi airport for the 9 hours 20 minutes flight to Copenhagen.
In the wake of a devastating crash, an Air India pilot suffered a panic attack just before takeoff, highlighting the immense pressure and psychological toll on flight crews. The incident, a day after a deadly accident claimed 279 lives, saw the Boeing 787 Dreamliner grounded, raising serious concerns about the mental health of pilots. Authorities are investigating possible links to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the primary_keyword “pilot panic” becomes a critical focus. Secondary_keyword “flight disruptions” are already surfacing, with affected pilots speaking of repeated mental replays of the Ahmedabad crash. Air India is urgently providing support to pilots, urging help, coupled with the buddy system. News Directory 3 dives deep,bringing you these crucial updates,and the medical testing ahead. Discover what’s next as we watch this story unfold.
Air India Pilot’s Panic Attack Before Take-Off After Deadly crash
Updated June 17, 2025
An air India pilot experienced a panic attack seconds before take-off, just a day after the crash that killed 279 people.
The pilot was at the controls of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner – the same as the tragic flight AI 171 – when he was overcome by nerves.
Credit: Reuters
He was in the line-up queuing to take off from Delhi airport for the 9 hours 20 minutes flight to Copenhagen.
But as the planes edged forward he decided he could not continue.
A message was received by the tower to say that a member of crew was ill and the plane was returning to the terminal.
A new pilot was then found and the flight eventually took off landing in Denmark at 10.31pm local time on Friday, two hours and 31 minutes late.
A source told The Sun: “It is likely that the panic attack was connected wiht post-traumatic stress disorder due to the crash.
“Pilots of wide bodied planes are very shaken after the incident last week. One saeid he kept replaying it in his head.
“another said that he didn’t know if he would be able to get back into the cockpit again.”
Air India has contacted all of its pilots urging them to seek help if they have worries after flight AI 171 crashed shortly after take-off last Thursday in Ahmedabad with the loss of 279 lives
It also suggested they make use of the company’s buddy system where they can confide any concerns to colleagues.
The panic attack pilot is now likely to face rigorous medical testing before he is allowed to fly again.
Under India’s aviation rules, aviators have to pass a medical every 12 months to retain their Commercial Pilot’s License.
What’s next
The examination into the Air India crash is ongoing, and the airline is providing support to its pilots and crew members affected by the tragedy.