DGCA Issues Mental Health Alert After AI-171 Crash: Neurosynk Research Stands Ready to Support Indian Aviation

Chennai, July 25, 2025 — In the wake of the tragic AI-171 Dreamliner crash near Ahmedabad, which claimed 260 lives, India’s aviation industry is grappling with the psychological aftermath. Just days after the incident, 112 Air India pilots — including 51 commanders and 61 first officers — reported sick on June 16.

This unprecedented surge in absenteeism highlights more than just operational disruption; it signals a collective emotional response, underscoring the urgent need for structured mental health interventions across Indian aviation.

In response, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reiterated its February 2023 mental health directive, calling on airlines, Air Traffic Control (ATC) organizations, and training bodies to enforce its mandates effectively.

Key Mental Health Measures Mandated by DGCA

The DGCA circular — effective since May 31, 2023 — outlines:

• Psychological assessmentsas part of Class-1 medical evaluations
• Establishment of Peer Support Programmes (PSPs)
• Pre-employment psychological evaluations
• Regular training and awarenesson mental well-being
• A non-punitive, confidential systemfor self-reporting and support-seeking

Neurosynk Research: Advancing Psychological Safety in Indian Skies

As India’s pioneering psychology research firm specializing in aerospace and defence, Neurosynk Research stands ready to assist airlines, ATC organizations, and training academies in implementing DGCA’s mental health framework.

Our mission aligns with India’s aviation safety goals — delivering evidence-based, scalable, and ethical solutions for psychological resilience.

Our Aviation Mental Health Expertise

1. Tailored Psychological Assessments

We design and deploy psychometric tools specifically for flight crew, cabin crew, and ATCOs, detecting early signs of burnout, cognitive fatigue, anxiety, and mood disturbances — contextualized to India’s operational environment.

2. Peer Support Programme (PSP) Implementation

We help build DGCA-compliant PSPs with structured peer training, clinical protocols, and psychological safety mechanisms that encourage early help-seeking without stigma.

3. Trauma Support & Crisis Counseling

Following accidents or operational stress, our psychologists deliver trauma-informed debriefs, 1-on-1 support, and resilience workshops to help aviation professionals recover and cope.

4. Capacity Building for AMEs & Leadership

We equip Aviation Medical Examiners, line managers, and instructors with the skills to identify psychological red flags and respond appropriately, bolstering early intervention and crew safety.

5. Policy Support & Research Analytics

Through confidential data analysis and periodic reporting, we support regulatory bodies and airline management in monitoring crew mental health trends and making evidence-informed decisions.

Reframing Mental Health as a Safety Mandate

The AI-171 disaster is a sobering reminder that mental health is inseparable from operational safety. Neurosynk applauds DGCA’s foresight and remains committed to strengthening psychological readiness across Indian aviation through scientific and human-centric approaches.

Recognized by Startup India and a contributor to the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s psychological research roadmap, Neurosynk Research invites collaboration with stakeholders across civil and private aviation.

🔗 To collaborate or request a briefing:
📩 Email: contact@neurosynkresearch.com
🌐 Website: www.neurosynkresearch.com
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Neurosynk Research
India’s leading psychology research organization for aviation, defence,

Recognized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Commerce under start-up India Initiative, Government of India.