Air India pilots face new transfer rule as turbulence incident sparks safety concerns

Air India announced a new pilot framework that creates a common seniority pool with its low‑cost subsidiary Air India Express. Under the plan, senior first officers who wish to become commanders must transfer to Air India Express, where they will receive a one‑time bonus of Rs 10 lakh and, after two years at an assigned base, may choose their operating base. The move aims to expand the pool of captains as Air India Express prepares to add Boeing 737 aircraft, addressing intense competition for experienced pilots, rising attrition and reduced flying hours.

Separately, a severe turbulence event on Air India flight AI 2379 from Phuket to Delhi on 5 August injured 17 passengers and crew, including four cabin crew members. Aviation safety consultant Captain Mohan Ranganathan criticised the crew’s handling of the weather, calling it “very poor airmanship” and urging better pilot training and stricter seat‑belt enforcement. The incident has raised questions about Air India’s cockpit crew training and operational safety procedures.