India’s leading airline, IndiGo, is preparing for an unprecedented pilot recruitment initiative to comply with the February 10 DGCA deadline under updated flight duty regulations, following an increase in flight cancellations stemming from operational challenges.
Pilot Availability and Recruitment Strategy
As of December, IndiGo reported having 2,357 captains and 2,194 first officers for its Airbus fleet. The airline aims to enhance its crew numbers in the upcoming months as outlined below:
- By the end of December 2025: 25 captains and 35 first officers
- January 2026: 28 captains and 35 first officers
- By February 10, 2026: 15 captains and 20 first officers
This hiring initiative will elevate the total to 2,425 captains and 2,284 first officers by the compliance deadline in February. According to its FY25 annual report, IndiGo had a workforce of 5,456 pilots in total, encompassing both captains and first officers.
India’s civil aviation authority, DGCA, has provided a one-time exemption for certain night-duty and crew-rest regulations under the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms to stabilize operations after numerous flight cancellations last week by IndiGo. The exemption, effective until February 10, 2026, addresses night-flying limits and permits leave to be counted as part of weekly rest periods.
The disruptions commenced after the second phase of FDTL norms was implemented on November 1, 2025, introducing stricter duty-hour limitations, night-flying restrictions, and extended weekly rest periods to mitigate pilot fatigue and enhance safety. Airlines faced challenges with roster management and crew availability under the new regulations, resulting in widespread cancellations.
Thousands of travelers at key airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, experienced delays, long lines, and frustration. Airlines cautioned that disruptions would persist for several more days and began reducing operations from December 8 to restore normal service.
To address crew shortages, IndiGo announced plans to cancel 300–400 flights daily from December 5 to December 8 to reorganize its roster, followed by an adjusted schedule from December 10 to December 31. Analysts have indicated that the scale and pace of recruitment may be challenging to achieve. The airline outlined its hiring strategy in a submission to the DGCA, as per documents reviewed by Mint, revealing intentions to onboard 158 pilots by February, with the remaining 742 to be hired gradually by December of the following year, highlighting the magnitude of the staffing challenge.
IndiGo operates a fleet of 417 aircraft, which includes A320s, ATRs, a Boeing jet on wet lease, and freighters. Almost 40 A320 aircraft remain grounded due to engine issues with Pratt & Whitney, thereby reducing the effective A320 fleet to around 325 aircraft.
These aircraft are operated for approximately 14 hours a day, significantly exceeding the industry standard of 8.5 hours. At this level of utilization, IndiGo requires 17 pilot-and-copilot sets per aircraft, compared to the customary 14. Martin Consulting estimates the crew requirement at 5,525, while DGCA filings indicate that 4,551 crew members were available in December, revealing a shortfall of 974 pilots.
Air India Unveils New Pilot Recruitment Initiative
In light of the IndiGo turmoil impacting flight operations nationwide, its competitor, Air India, has announced a new pilot recruitment initiative under the slogan ‘The sky is not the limit, it’s just the beginning’, inviting pilots to pursue a career with the Tata group. In its advertisement, Air India stated that it is seeking pilots for its Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 fleets, which serve as the backbone of the short to medium-haul market.
Air India Launches Significant Recruitment Campaign
With the surge in domestic air travel demand, the Tata-owned Air India Group has initiated an extensive recruitment strategy for pilots across its Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 fleets. The airline’s objective is to bolster its cockpit crew as part of a long-term expansion and fleet modernization effort.
Eligibility Requirements for B737 Captains
Air India has opened its applications for both type-rated and non-type-rated pilots.
For Type-Rated B737 Pilots
Candidates must:
Possess a valid B737 PIC endorsement
Have accrued at least 100 PIC hours on the B737 family
Be within the upper age limit of 62 years
For Non-Type-Rated B737 Pilots
A wider eligibility range encompasses:
A minimum of 500 hours on commercial jets, or 3,000 total flying hours, including 1,000 hours on turboprop aircraft 500 hours as PIC with a scheduled airline, or 3,000 total hours, including 1,000 hours on turboprop aircraft 1,500 PIC hours with a non-scheduled operator on aircraft exceeding 15 tonnes
A320 Captain Positions Also Open
Air India has concurrently released an advertisement for Airbus A320 captains. Applicants are expected to:
Hold a valid A320 PIC endorsement Have at least 100 PIC hours on the A320 family Be under the age of 62
This dual recruitment strategy underscores Air India’s dedication to enhancing pilot availability across both narrow-body aircraft segments.
Air India Takes Advantage of the Situation
As IndiGo works to stabilize its operations, Air India is capitalizing on the opportunity. Its timely recruitment campaign positions it as an attractive option for seasoned captains seeking stability and opportunities for growth.
Supported by the Tata Group’s substantial long-term expansion strategy, Air India aims to prevent manpower shortages and create a strong pipeline of cockpit talent for its growing fleet.
Through proactive hiring and strategic planning, Air India is signaling its determination to emerge as a formidable competitor while its rival navigates one of its most challenging operational periods.
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