DGCA proposes measures for mental well-being of flight crew, air traffic controllers

NEW DELHI: India’s aviation regulator, Directorate General Civil Aviation (DGCA), is set to issue guidelines to airlines and airports to formulate standard operating procedures (SOPs) on mental health issues amid concerns about the well-being of crew and air traffic controllers (ATCOs), people familiar with the matter said.

An expert committee set up by the regulator earlier has identified three major domains where intervention was recommended: mental health assessment during medical assessments, peer support programme (PSP) and pre-employment psychological assessment.

“DGCA will issue a circular on May 31 asking the airlines and Airports Authority of India (ATCOs fall under AAI) to implement the committee’s recommendations for their mental well-being,” a DGCA official said.