In a tragic turn of events, the suicide of Air India pilot Srishti Tuli has left the aviation industry and her close-knit community in deep shock. The 23-year-old pilot, who had been a promising officer in the airline, tragically took her own life on November 23, 2024. Her death, which has prompted an outpouring of grief and concern over mental health in the aviation sector, was initially discovered after a distressing video call to one of her close friends. The video call, which took place just hours before her death, has now become a key piece of evidence in understanding the sequence of events that led to her untimely demise.
A Heartbreaking Video Call
The video call, made by Srishti Tuli to her friend around midnight on November 22, was not a casual conversation but a cry for help. According to reports, Tuli, who had been struggling with personal and professional pressures, appeared visibly distressed during the call. In the video, she mentioned feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope with the mounting stress in her life. Tuli reportedly told her friend that she was unable to find a way out of her emotional turmoil and was contemplating drastic measures.
Her friend, deeply concerned, immediately tried to offer reassurance and urged her to seek help. Srishti, however, seemed resolute and spoke in a manner that suggested she had already made up her mind. Her friend, alarmed by her demeanor, asked her to stay on the line, but the call abruptly ended shortly afterward.
The Discovery of Her Body
The following morning, Tuli’s family, who had been unable to reach her for several hours, went to her apartment in Delhi’s upscale neighborhood. Upon entering her flat, they found her lifeless body, which had been discovered in an apparent state of hanging. Emergency services were called immediately, but by the time paramedics arrived, Srishti had already passed.
Her family members were left devastated, particularly her parents, who described Srishti as a bright and ambitious young woman with a promising career ahead of her. Tuli had been a flight officer with Air India for over a year and had always shown dedication and commitment to her work. However, it is now emerging that her career may have come under significant pressure in recent months.
Investigations and Professional Stress
Initial investigations into Srishti’s death suggest that a combination of personal and professional challenges may have contributed to her tragic decision. Colleagues and friends have mentioned that Tuli had been dealing with increasing stress related to her work schedule and long hours. The airline industry, which demands high levels of responsibility and commitment from its staff, has been under scrutiny in recent years due to issues such as pilot burnout and mental health concerns.
There are reports that Tuli had been struggling with balancing her demanding job and personal life, which may have led to feelings of isolation. A close friend revealed that Srishti had previously opened up about not receiving enough emotional support from her employer, something that might have worsened her mental health in recent weeks.
Moreover, as the first officer on an international route, she had to juggle the pressures of aviation safety, deadlines, and stringent regulations, which can often take a toll on pilots’ well-being. The stresses of working in the high-stakes aviation industry, where a single mistake can have severe consequences, are well-documented, but Tuli’s case has shed light on the lack of sufficient mental health resources and support for airline staff, particularly pilots.
Family and Friends Speak Out
In the aftermath of her death, Tuli’s family and friends have expressed their shock and sorrow. They have been vocal about the need for more attention to be given to the mental health of airline professionals, particularly pilots who often experience loneliness, stress, and long hours away from home. Tuli’s family also shared that she had been excited about her future, which makes her passing all the more difficult to comprehend.
One of Srishti’s close friends stated, “She was one of the most passionate and hardworking individuals I knew. It’s heartbreaking to think that she felt so alone in her struggles. If only she had reached out for help sooner, maybe we could have saved her.”
The Response from Air India and Authorities
Air India, in a statement issued following her death, expressed its deepest condolences to the Tuli family and stated that they are offering all possible support during this difficult time. The airline also assured the public that an internal investigation would be launched to understand the circumstances surrounding her death. However, the tragedy has ignited wider conversations about the mental health of airline employees, particularly pilots, who work in highly stressful environments.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the national aviation authority of India, has also expressed concern over the rising number of suicides and mental health challenges among airline personnel. The DGCA has announced plans to review its policies regarding mental health evaluations and support systems for pilots, ensuring that they have access to the necessary resources to cope with the pressures of their job.
A Growing Crisis in Aviation
The case of Srishti Tuli is not an isolated incident. Mental health issues among airline employees have gained significant attention in recent years, as several high-profile cases of pilot suicides and burnout have come to light. Experts argue that the aviation industry is in dire need of comprehensive mental health programs that go beyond basic stress management and address the root causes of the psychological strain that many pilots face.
Aviation professionals, especially pilots, often work in high-pressure environments that can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion. With long-haul flights, irregular sleep schedules, and significant time spent away from home, many pilots experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression. Yet, due to the stigma surrounding mental health in such a critical field, many pilots are reluctant to seek help for fear of being perceived as unfit for duty.
Conclusion
Srishti Tuli’s tragic death has underscored the need for urgent reforms in how the aviation industry addresses mental health issues. While it is impossible to pinpoint a single cause for her death, the disturbing video call, coupled with the stress of her professional life, points to the urgent need for systemic change. The case highlights the importance of removing the stigma around mental health and ensuring that pilots and other aviation professionals have access to the support they need to cope with the unique pressures of their careers.
As investigations continue, the Tuli family hopes that her death will lead to meaningful change and that future tragedies of this nature can be prevented through better support systems for mental health in the aviation sector.
