13,989 pilots employed by six major domestic airlines: Govt

The Hindu
The Hindu
3d ago • 4 views
As of December 2025, six major Indian airlines employ 13,989 pilots, with Air India and IndiGo having the largest shares.
13,989 pilots employed by six major domestic airlines: Govt
A What happened
As of December 2025, six major domestic airlines in India employ a total of 13,989 pilots. Air India has the highest number with 6,350 pilots, followed by Air India Express with 1,592 and IndiGo with 5,085. Other airlines include Akasa, which employs 466 pilots, SpiceJet with 385, and Alliance Air with 111 pilots. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidhar Mohol, explained that the hiring of foreign pilots is driven by the need for specific type-rated pilots due to fleet expansions and operational timelines. The DGCA has facilitated the induction of 61 training aircraft by flying training organizations (FTOs) and has approved two new FTOs in 2025. The DGCA ensures that training and regulatory frameworks align with ICAO standards and conducts regular assessments of flying training quality.
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Key insights

  • 1

    Pilot Employment Distribution: Air India and IndiGo account for the majority of pilots employed in Indian airlines.

  • 2

    Foreign Pilot Hiring Rationale: Airlines hire foreign pilots to meet specific type-rating requirements amid fleet expansions.

  • 3

    Training Infrastructure Development: The DGCA oversees the modernization of flying training infrastructure through regulatory frameworks.

Takeaways

The employment landscape for pilots in India reflects significant reliance on both domestic and foreign talent. Regulatory oversight ensures adherence to international training standards.

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