How Many Pilots Are Needed in India in 2025? Demand, Trends & Career Outlook

India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. With airlines placing record aircraft orders, new airports opening, and passenger numbers soaring, the demand for pilots in 2025 is at an all-time high. But how many pilots does India actually need this year? Let’s break down the numbers, trends, and what it means for aspiring pilots.

The Numbers: Pilot Demand in 2025

Annual Demand:
India needs an estimated 1,500–1,600 new pilots each year to keep up with airline expansion and retirements. When you factor in general aviation, retirements, and pilots moving abroad, the real annual demand could reach 1,500–2,100 pilots in

Current Workforce:
As of 2025, about 10,000 pilots are employed with Indian air carriers

Long-Term Need:
Over the next 15–20 years, India will require 30,000 new pilots, translating to an average of 1,500–2,000 new pilots per year

What’s Driving This Demand?

1. Fleet Expansion

• Indian airlines have placed orders for nearly 1,900 new aircraft, with deliveries ramping up through
• More planes mean more flights, routes, and the need for more pilots.

2. Passenger Traffic Growth

• Domestic air passenger traffic is growing at 7–11% annually
• International traffic for Indian carriers is rising even faster, at 15–20% per year
• In February 2025 alone, domestic air traffic reached 1.40 crore passengers, up from 1.26 crore a year before

3. Regional Connectivity

Government schemes like UDAN are boosting regional air travel, which requires more pilots for smaller aircraft and new routes

4. Retirements and Attrition

Many senior pilots are retiring, and some Indian pilots are joining foreign airlines, creating more vacancies for newcomers

5. Airline-Specific Needs

• IndiGo will need over 11,000 pilots in the next 10 years.
• Air India will require more than 5,800 pilots by 2035.
• Other carriers like SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express have their own hiring targets

Table: Pilot Demand by Major Indian Airlines (2025–2035)

[Source: Ministry of Civil Aviation, 2025

India’s Aviation Growth: The Big Picture

Market Size:
India’s aviation market is projected to grow at a 12% CAGR from 2025–2033, reaching $40.81 billion by 2033

Airport Expansion:
Over 150 airports are being developed or upgraded, improving connectivity nationwide

Fleet Growth:
Indian airlines are among the world’s fastest-growing, with IndiGo ranking second globally for seat capacity growth in 2024

Regional Growth:
New routes to tier 2 and tier 3 cities are increasing demand for pilots on smaller aircraft

List: Key Factors Fueling Pilot Demand in 2025

• Rapid airline fleet expansion
• Double-digit growth in passenger traffic
• New airports and routes (especially regional)
• Retirements and attrition of existing pilots
• Indian pilots joining foreign airlines
• Government initiatives promoting aviation
• Increased international connectivity

Is There a Shortage of Pilots?

Yes, despite the high demand, there is a shortage of qualified pilots in India. Training academies currently produce only 800–1,000 new pilots per year, leading to an annual shortfall of 500 pilots or more9. This gap is expected to persist unless training capacity increases and more students complete their CPL on time.

Opportunities and Challenges for Aspiring Pilots

Opportunities

• High demand for new pilots means strong job prospects.
• Airlines are expanding cadet pilot programs and direct recruitment.
• Salaries for first officers range from ₹1.5–2.5 lakhs per month, with captains earning ₹5–8 lakhs per month9.

Challenges

• Training costs remain high (₹80 lakhs–₹1.5 crore for CPL and type rating)9.
• Competition is increasing as more students pursue pilot training.
• Airlines prefer experienced pilots, so freshers may need to work as instructors or in smaller airlines before joining major carriers.
• Quality of training and exam pass rates are critical for getting hired.

Ordered List: Steps to Enter the Pilot Profession in 2025

• Complete 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (or clear via NIOS if needed).
• Pass DGCA Class 2 and Class 1 medical exams.
• Enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school.
• Complete ground school and pass DGCA CPL theory exams.
• Accumulate a minimum of 200 flying hours.
• Obtain your Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Complete type rating for airline-specific aircraft.
• Apply for jobs with airlines, regional carriers, or as a flight instructor.
• Continue training and progress to captaincy.

Table: Pilot Demand vs. Supply in India (2025)

Estimates based on industry and DGCA data

Unordered List: How to Prepare for a Career in High-Demand Aviation

• Choose a reputable DGCA-approved flying school with high pass rates.
• Focus on holistic training: theory, simulator, and real-world flying.
• Stay updated on airline recruitment drives and cadet programs.
• Network with industry professionals and alumni.
• Prepare financially for training and type rating costs.
• Use resources like for counseling, workshops, and simulator sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How many pilots are needed in India in 2025?
India needs an estimated 1,500–2,100 new pilots in 2025 to meet airline expansion, retirements, and attrition19.

Q2: Is there a shortage of pilots in India?
Yes, current training output is less than demand, creating a shortfall of 500–700 pilots per year19.

Q3: Which airlines are hiring the most pilots?
IndiGo, Air India (including Vistara), Air India Express, and SpiceJet have the largest hiring needs through 20353.

Q4: What skills are most in demand?
Strong technical knowledge, simulator proficiency, communication, and adaptability to new aircraft and routes.

Q5: How can I increase my chances of getting hired?
Train at a reputable academy, focus on exam success, gain experience as an instructor if needed, and stay updated on recruitment.

Conclusion

India’s aviation sector in 2025 is booming, with a need for 1,500–2,100 new pilots annually to keep pace with airline expansion, retirements, and rising passenger traffic. Opportunities are abundant, but competition and training costs remain high. With the right preparation, training, and guidance from institutes like Golden Epaulettes Aviation, aspiring pilots can position themselves for success in this high-demand, dynamic industry