India’s six major domestic airlines currently employ a total of 13,989 pilots, yet the appointment of foreign pilots continues to meet the demands of expanding fleets and specialized training requirements. With increasing capacity at Flying Training Organizations (FTOs), there’s an anticipated reduction in this reliance in the coming years, creating more opportunities for Indian pilots.
Pilot Strength in India: During a parliamentary session, Civil Aviation Minister Murli Dhar Mohol revealed that the country’s six leading domestic airlines collectively employ 13,989 pilots. Alongside national carriers like Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, and Alliance Air, foreign pilots are being recruited to support the new fleet and specialized training needs. This initiative aims to ensure timely flight operations and minimize delays, while the growing training capacity of FTOs will progressively reduce dependence on foreign pilots.
Total Pilot Numbers in India
Minister Murli Dhar Mohol stated in Parliament that India’s six major domestic airlines have a total of 13,989 pilots. The Air India Group boasts 6,350 pilots, with Air India Express having 1,592. IndiGo employs 5,085 pilots. Akasa Air has 466 pilots, SpiceJet 385, and Alliance Air 111. This figure clearly illustrates the rapid expansion and growth of the Indian aviation sector.
Why the Continued Recruitment of Foreign Pilots
The Minister clarified that the need for foreign pilots primarily stems from a shortage of rated pilots with specialized training and the operational requirements of new aircraft. Airlines temporarily recruit international pilots to ensure timely operations for new fleets and complex aircraft, thereby reducing the risk of flight delays or cancellations.
FTOs and Pilot Training Capacity
The network of Flying Training Organizations (FTOs) in India is consistently expanding. As of November, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has approved the inclusion of 61 new training aircraft, and two new FTOs were approved in 2025. Currently, 40 FTOs operate across 62 locations nationwide and are continuously enhancing their training capabilities. The Minister noted that FTOs expand their training aircraft and instructors based on their business decisions, and the Ministry does not intervene in these matters.
Dependence on Foreign Pilots
As India’s fleet continues to grow rapidly, the demand for foreign pilots will likely persist. However, with the increasing training capacity of FTOs and the adoption of new technologies, reliance on foreign pilots is expected to gradually diminish over the coming years. This will create more opportunities for Indian pilots and reduce dependence on foreign personnel.
