India plans new airport emergency rules after pilot's death
The Indian government is investing in new ways to improve how airports handle medical emergencies after a pilot died at Delhi airport.
On April 9, a pilot from Air India Express collapsed after landing a flight from Srinagar and later died from a heart attack.
The airline confirmed his death the same day.
A senior government official said that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) could soon review the rules about pilot health checks, medical help at airports, and emergency plans.
“We are exploring whether to set up a protocol on how to respond in such situations,” the official was quoted by the Business Standard.
After the pilot’s death, some Air India Express pilots said they were worried about the speed of the emergency response. They claimed that it took about 45 minutes for an ambulance to reach the scene.
However, Delhi airport’s chief executive, Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, said that a doctor was sent within eight minutes after the airport team was informed.
According to him, the pilot was quickly moved to a top hospital and medical help was given on time.
The government is now studying whether stronger rules are needed to ensure help is faster and more effective when someone falls seriously ill at an airport.
