Air India (A-I) has introduced a new internal policy, effective from October 1, under which it will verify the authenticity of fatigue reports submitted by its flight crew and reclassify them as “sick leave” if found to be “unsubstantiated”, Business Standard has learnt.

The policy is part of a series of new measures being implemented ahead of A-I’s merger with Vistara, aimed at “boosting efficiencies” within the airline, according to officials. However, pilots have voiced concerns over the new step.

“This policy needs to be reconsidered, rather than questioning whether a pilot is experiencing ‘fatigue’ or is