Incident Overview
On September 6, 2025, IndiGo flight 6E-6827, scheduled from Mumbai to Delhi, experienced a delay of over an hour when the pilot collapsed shortly before takeoff. The incident occurred at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.
According to sources, the pilot began sweating profusely and collapsed in the cockpit. Medical personnel were immediately called, and the pilot was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Preliminary reports suggest that the collapse was due to a suspected food allergy.
Passenger Impact and Airline Response
The delay affected approximately 180 passengers onboard the Airbus A320 Neo. IndiGo Airlines promptly arranged for an alternate pilot, and the flight eventually departed, landing in Delhi at 2:23 PM, approximately 73 minutes later than the scheduled arrival time of 1:37 PM.
An IndiGo spokesperson stated, “The safety and well-being of our passengers and crew members remain our utmost priority. We arranged for an alternate pilot to operate the flight, ensuring minimal disruption to our passengers.”
Broader Implications for Pilot Health
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding pilot health and wellness. It is the third reported case in recent months where a pilot has fallen ill mid-duty. Previous incidents include a July case involving an IndiGo pilot on a Delhi–Pune flight and an Air India pilot experiencing a health scare on a Bengaluru–Delhi route.
Experts suggest that factors such as irregular sleep patterns, high stress levels, and prolonged working hours may contribute to such health events. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has introduced regulations mandating pilots to have a minimum of 48 hours rest per week, up from the previous 36 hours, to mitigate fatigue-related incidents.
FAQs
Preliminary reports indicate that the pilot collapsed due to a suspected food allergy. Medical tests confirmed that the pilot’s heart condition was normal, and he has since been discharged from the hospital.
IndiGo Airlines swiftly arranged for an alternate pilot, ensuring the flight continued with minimal delay. The airline emphasized its commitment to passenger safety and crew well-being.
Yes, this incident is part of a series of recent cases where pilots have fallen ill mid-flight. Experts are calling for enhanced medical screenings, crew wellness programs, and regulated work-rest cycles to address these concerns.
Sources:
New Indian Express
The Logical Indian
