DELHI- A scheduled IndiGo Airlines (6E) flight from Delhi (DEL) to Pune (PNQ) faced a significant delay on July 4, 2025, after the assigned pilot became unwell just before takeoff. The aircraft, initially ready for departure at 6:00 AM, was grounded for over four hours before finally departing at 10:27 AM.
Flight 6E2262, operated by India’s largest LCC, IndiGo, returned to the bay at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport following standard operating procedures. The delay was further impacted by temporary airside restrictions at Pune Airport.
Photo: Robin Hardy IndiGo Pilot Falls Sick
According to IndiGo, the cockpit crew member scheduled to operate flight 6E2262 reported feeling unwell moments before takeoff. The aircraft, already on the taxiway, was instructed to return to the bay where the airline initiated established protocols for crew health emergencies.
The unwell pilot received on-ground medical attention immediately. In line with safety regulations, IndiGo reassigned a replacement crew to operate the flight.
The delay in sourcing and positioning a qualified alternate crew contributed to the extended ground time in Delhi.
While the primary cause of the delay was the pilot’s medical condition, IndiGo confirmed a secondary factor affecting the flight’s timely departure. The airline cited temporary operational restrictions at Pune Airport (PNQ), which compounded the disruption.
Real-time flight tracking data from Flightradar24 confirmed the aircraft eventually departed at 10:27 AM, approximately four and a half hours behind schedule.
Despite the setback, the airline emphasized that all procedures were conducted in accordance with safety norms, ensuring that passenger well-being remained the priority.
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Photo: Bengaluru AirportIn its statement, IndiGo clarified that all actions taken complied with standard operating protocols.
The carrier did not disclose specific medical details about the crew member, maintaining confidentiality. The airline reiterated its commitment to safety and operational efficiency, stating:
“One of our cockpit crew scheduled to operate IndiGo flight 6E2262 from Delhi to Pune on July 4 felt unwell before take-off and the aircraft returned to bay, following SOPs. Appropriate medical assistance was provided, and an alternative crew was assigned.”
Photo: By aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0Similar Incident
An Air India (AI) pilot collapsed at Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) before operating flight AI2414 to Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), triggering swift airline intervention.
The medical emergency occurred shortly before the flight’s scheduled departure on July 4. Air India (AI) promptly replaced the pilot, ensuring the flight to Delhi (DEL) operated with minimal delay.
Emergency Response at Bengaluru Airport
The pilot assigned to Air India flight AI2414 experienced a sudden medical emergency moments before boarding at Bengaluru Airport (BLR).
Airline ground staff immediately alerted medical personnel, and the pilot was transported to a nearby hospital. According to initial assessments, the pilot is now in stable condition and remains under medical observation.
Air India (AI) released a statement confirming that the incident involved the originally rostered pilot for the BLR–DEL route. Due to the health emergency, the individual was deemed unfit for duty, and a standby crew member was called in to operate the flight.
Thanks to rapid coordination, the airline avoided major operational disruptions. The flight departed after a brief delay, and passengers were kept informed throughout the process. No safety protocols were compromised, and standard operating procedures were followed.
Focus on Crew Health and Operational Readiness
This event highlights the critical importance of monitoring crew fitness and maintaining standby staffing protocols. Airlines, including Air India (AI), are required to adhere to strict medical standards for pilots, including periodic health checks mandated by India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Although rare, in-flight or pre-flight medical emergencies involving cockpit crew are taken seriously. Immediate crew replacement, access to airport medical facilities, and proactive communication are essential for passenger safety and flight continuity.
Air India reiterated its commitment to the well-being of both crew and passengers, noting that medical fitness remains a top operational priority.
While this particular case was managed without disruption, it raises awareness around the pressures and health demands placed on commercial pilots.
Industry stakeholders are increasingly focused on enhancing medical support systems at airports, implementing fatigue management strategies, and improving health surveillance mechanisms.
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