Airlines Ramp Up Pilot Recruitment, IndiGo Targets 100 Pilots Per Month

New Delhi: Following a recent operational crisis, Indian airlines have launched aggressive pilot recruitment drives to strengthen their fleets. IndiGo, India’s largest airline with 418 aircraft, aims to recruit 100 pilots every month to ensure smooth operations and meet the growing demand for air travel.

Crisis Sparks Urgent Recruitment

The move comes after a roster disruption at IndiGo in early December exposed a shortage of pilots under the new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations. The DGCA has granted IndiGo a temporary exemption until 10 February 2026, giving the airline time to align its pilot strength with operational requirements. Industry sources indicate that IndiGo plans to hire up to 1,000 pilots in the near future to manage its 500 aircraft orders and maintain uninterrupted flight schedules.

Other Airlines Join the Drive

Other major carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, and Akasa, have also initiated recruitment campaigns. Air India, for instance, is focusing on young trainee pilots under 30 years of age, while IndiGo prioritizes the recruitment of fully qualified pilots.

Regulatory Oversight

All airlines have informed the DGCA about their recruitment plans. The regulator is now closely monitoring pilot rosters to ensure compliance with FDTL rules, verifying that airlines have adequate pilot crews for their aircraft and daily flight schedules. The DGCA emphasizes that any shortage must be addressed promptly to avoid flight cancellations or delays that could inconvenience passengers.

Ensuring Operational Readiness

IndiGo’s recruitment strategy also reflects a careful balance: hiring enough pilots to meet demand while avoiding excessive recruitment that could lead to underutilized crews. By strengthening its pilot pool, IndiGo aims to restore its operational reputation and ensure no aircraft is grounded due to manpower shortages. Other airlines are similarly adjusting their hiring strategies to meet growing operational requirements.

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