28-year-old pilot dies of cardiac arrest in Delhi after landing: Why are such cases increasing?

An  Air India Express pilot, died of a cardiac arrest shortly after landing a Srinagar - Delhi flight on Wednesday, reports the Hindu. Confirming the incident, the airline spokesperson said it would extend all possible assistance to the pilot's family, reportedly named Armaan, to cope with the tremendous loss. As per reports, he was newly married and was 28 years old. In recent years, there were quite a few similar instances, like the death of a 37-year-old Air India pilot at Delhi Airport in November 2023, and another Indigo pilot losing his life minutes before his flight in August, the same year. What's affecting the health of our pilots?

Increased flying hours, shortage...
In the past few years, due to the increase in the number of destinations, flights and shortage of pilots, their flying hours have apparently increased considerably. And this too, without enough physical or mental rest. Many pilots have also reported malpractices in scheduling at various times. A few months ago, the Delhi High Court had asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation or DGCA to develop new rules to handle the stress and scheduling problems of pilots. The rules followed now were formed in 2019, and various associations had demanded their revision over time.

The DGCA had issued a set of new rules ensuring longer rest periods and reduced flying hours in January 2024, admitting that pilot deaths were due to an improper work-life balance impacting their health. However, the implementation was deferred, as instructed by the Civil Aviation Ministry. The new regulations were expected to be implemented in a phased manner from July this year.

Certain reports claim an increase in Sudden Cardiac Deaths (SCD) in pilots following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, various health platforms have dispelled the link and termed it a mere allegation. 

New guidelines
Here are a few of the new rules, expected to be implemented from July. 
1) Pilots will have up to 48 hours of rest a week. The current rest period is 38 hours.
2) The number of night landings will be two, while currently it is six.
3) Maximum night flight will be restricted to eight hours.
4) Minimum duty period would be 10 hours.