An Air India captain was found unconscious inside his hotel room in Delhi during a layover and tragically died hours before he was due to operate a scheduled flight.

The Mumbai-based pilot had checked into a hotel in Vasant Kunj on September 10. On the evening of September 11, his brother contacted the hotel after the pilot stopped responding to calls.

Hotel staff entered the locked room using a master key and found him unconscious and unresponsive. He was rushed to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Delhi Police said a crime team was called to the scene and a post-mortem examination was conducted at Safdarjung Hospital on September 12.

The pilot had previously worked as a captain with Air India Express before joining Air India just a couple of months ago.

His cause of death has not yet been established. Police said the final medical opinion is awaited and further inquiry is underway.

Air India expressed deep sadness over the loss and said it is providing all possible support to his family during this difficult time.

A heartbreaking loss for his family, colleagues and the aviation community.