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India

IndiGo Tops India In Pilot Numbers But Has Lowest Pilot-To-Aircraft Ratio At 7.6

Aviation Today News Desk March 13, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s largest airline IndiGo has the lowest pilot-to-aircraft ratio among domestic carriers, the government informed Parliament, highlighting staffing

DGCA Issues Safety Warning To Charter Operators After Decade-Long Accident Data Review

Aviation Today News Desk February 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: India’s civil aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has issued a sweeping safety warning to

India Revises Airline Refund Rules, Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window

Aviation Today News Desk February 27, 2026

New Delhi, India: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formally amended India’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) governing airline ticket

India Has 25,001 Active Pilots As Fleet Growth Accelerates; Employment Data Missing

Aviation Today News Desk February 17, 2026

Delhi, India: India currently has 25,001 active pilots, the government told Parliament, offering the latest official snapshot of the country’s licensed

Delhi, India: India’s domestic aviation sector sustained its expansion in 2025, with scheduled domestic carriers ferrying 1,669.46 lakh (166.946 million) passengers for the calendar year, marking a 3.48 per cent increase over the 1,613.31 lakh passengers recorded in 2024, according to the latest official traffic data.  The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) monthly report shows the growth was powered by consistent passenger demand, despite significant operational challenges experienced during the final month of the year.  For the full year ending December 2025, domestic travel grew to 166.946 million passengers, compared with 161.331 million in 2024. This uptick reflects sustained recovery in both leisure and business travel markets.  However, December 2025 bucked the annual growth trend, with traffic falling 4.14 per cent month‑on‑month. Approximately 14.30 million passengers flew on domestic sectors in December a significant reduction from previous months.  Industry sources and airport operators have tied the December slump chiefly to weeks of widespread schedule disruptions at one of India’s largest carriers, which led to cancellations and repositioning of flights across several high‑density routes.  IndiGo, India’s largest domestic airline by market share, saw its proportion of the domestic market decline sharply in December 2025. DGCA data shows the carrier’s share dropped to 59.6 per cent, down from 63.6 per cent in November. This was one of the lowest monthly market share figures for the airline in recent years, reflecting the operational challenges it faced.  In contrast, several competitors capitalised on displaced traffic flows during this period. The Air India Group’s market share rose to 29.6 per cent, while Akasa Air increased to 5.2 per cent, and SpiceJet to 4.3 per cent in December 2025. The DGCA also reported that delays and service irregularities in December generated heightened consumer issues, with more than 29,000 complaints logged with airlines for that month. An estimated 8.34 lakh passengers were affected by flight delays, while carriers collectively spent more than ₹4.5 crore on passenger facilitation.  In addition, thousands of passengers were denied boarding due to operational adjustments, prompting additional compensation outlays approaching ₹2.08 crore.  Following the disruptions, IndiGo has stated that it has taken steps to bolster operational resilience. The airline increased its crew buffer to approximately 3 per cent in early February 2026, alongside raising the pilot‑to‑aircraft ratio, after operating with minimal buffers in December.  The DGCA and airline industry stakeholders have signalled that measures to ensure stability including compliance with updated rest norms for crew and enhanced scheduling strategies are central to mitigating future volatility.

India’s Domestic Air Traffic Hits 166.9M Passengers In 2025 Despite IndiGo Disruptions

Aviation Today News Desk February 15, 2026

Delhi, India: India’s domestic aviation sector sustained its expansion in 2025, with scheduled domestic carriers ferrying 1,669.46 lakh (166.946 million) passengers for the

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Flag DGCA’s Revised FDTL Framework As More Restrictive

Aviation Today News Desk February 13, 2026

Delhi, India: India’s leading airlines, including IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, have raised strong objections to newly implemented Flight Duty Time

Delhi, India: Nearly 50% of Indian commercial aircraft audited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have been identified with recurring technical defects, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The disclosures, based on inspections conducted between January 2025 and 3 February 2026, underscore heightened regulatory scrutiny of airline maintenance practices across the country. The DGCA analysed 754 aircraft belonging to six scheduled carriers for repetitive snags during routine safety checks and surveillance audits of these, 377 aircraft roughly half were found to have recurring defects, defined as technical issues that appeared repeatedly on the same aircraft despite previous corrective actions. Detailed airline-wise figures presented in Parliament show: IndiGo: 405 aircraft analysed, 148 flagged for recurring defects Air India: 166 analysed, 137 flagged Air India Express: 101 analysed, 54 flagged SpiceJet: 43 analysed, 16 flagged Akasa Air: 32 analysed, 14 flagged Government sources pointed out that many of the recurring issues relate to maintenance and equipment malfunctions. In the case of Air India, a spokesperson noted that most defects were in lower-priority “Category D” items such as seating equipment, tray tables and in-flight entertainment screens, which are not directly linked to aircraft safety. Repetitive defects can range in severity, but their recurrence suggests that root-cause analysis and corrective action may not always be sufficient or timely. To reinforce compliance and safety standards, the DGCA said it conducted an extensive set of oversight activities over the last year, including: 3,890 surveillance inspections 56 regulatory audits 84 checks of foreign aircraft (SOFA) 492 ramp inspections 874 spot checks and 550 night surveillance exercises The regulator is mandated to monitor and enforce compliance with civil aviation requirements, and flagged deficiencies are expected to be followed up with corrective action and enforcement where necessary. The audit findings come at a time when India’s aviation safety ecosystem faces sustained scrutiny following a series of reported technical events and operational challenges. In early February, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner was temporarily grounded after a potential fuel control switch defect was reported by pilots following a London–Bengaluru flight. The UK Civil Aviation Authority has sought detailed explanations from the carrier. Additionally, passenger flight disruptions and operational bottlenecks at several airlines in recent months have fueled public and political examination of maintenance practices and regulatory readiness. Airline officials, particularly from the Air India Group, have stressed that rigorous checks and proactive inspections account for higher flagged numbers, and that many findings relate to cabin-level equipment rather than flight-critical systems. IndiGo has not publicly responded to The recurring defects should not necessarily be conflated with immediate safety risks, but they highlight the importance of systematic maintenance quality, effective root-cause resolution, and consistent compliance with global safety standards.

DGCA Says 377 Of 754 Indian Commercial Aircrafts Show Recurring Technical Defects

Aviation Today News Desk February 6, 2026

Delhi, India: Nearly 50% of Indian commercial aircraft audited by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have been identified with

Hyderabad, India: Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition, Wings India 2026, ended on a high note this week with a string of strategic Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and partnership deals that reinforce India’s ambition to deepen domestic aerospace manufacturing, expand skills and training infrastructure, and strengthen regional connectivity. Indian conglomerate Adani Defence & Aerospace and Brazil’s Embraer S.A. signed a landmark MoU to collaborate on establishing a regional transport aircraft ecosystem in India. The agreement focuses on jointly developing an aircraft assembly capability and related aerospace supply chain and services. Under the framework: A regional aircraft final assembly line is to be set up in India. Cooperation will extend to aftermarket support, pilot training and progressively increasing local content in production. Financial terms, production timelines, specific aircraft models or the location of the facility have not been disclosed in the initial MoU. At the show, Flamingo Aerospace Pvt. Ltd. signed an agreement with United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia for the delivery of six Ilyushin IL‑114‑300 regional turboprop aircraft. The deal targets India’s domestic regional connectivity market and represents a step towards operationalising heavier regional aircraft within the UDAN framework. The aircraft, seating approximately 68 passengers, are slated for delivery beginning in 2028. The pact includes collaboration on certification, entry‑into‑service preparations and training. Vadim Badekha, CEO, UAC, said India is central to the company’s civil aviation ambitions. “We consider that the Indian market has great potential for us. And a key factor in achieving success is being a part of the Make in India programme,” he said. Stressing the depth of the proposed industrial partnership, Badekha added, “That’s very important, that it’s not just the supply, just the sale of the aircraft, but the joint production of them in India India’s regional carrier FLY91 and aerospace engineering firm Timetooth Technologies signed an MoU to jointly develop and supply indigenously designed, DGCA‑certified aircraft passenger seats. The aim is to support localisation of cabin interiors for FLY91’s ATR 72‑600 fleet. The agreement covers design, prototyping and certification work, aligning with the government’s Make in India initiative. The Government of Odisha signed two separate MoUs at Wings India 2026 to bolster aviation infrastructure and technological capabilities in the state. Flying Training Organisation (FTO): An MoU with Alchemist Aviation will enable the establishment of an FTO at Dandbose Airport in Mayurbhanj district, with a planned annual capacity to train approximately 50 commercial pilots. UAV Training and Testing Centre: Another agreement with BonV Aero will lead to Odisha’s first UAV (drone) training and testing facility at Rangeilunda Airstrip in Ganjam district, expected to train more than 100 UAV pilots annually. Both initiatives are part of Odisha’s strategy to upskill youth and integrate drone technologies into agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and disaster response sectors. Heritage Aviation Pvt. Ltd. also signed a contract for an Airbus H130 helicopter during the event. The aircraft will be used to extend passenger transport services, heli‑pilgrimage offerings and regional connectivity operations, including in India’s Northeast. Leading the way, Air India expanded its substantial order book by adding 30 fuel-efficient Boeing narrowbody aircraft, bringing its total commitment to 600 planes. In addition to aircraft acquisitions, the airline signed a multi-year deal with Boeing Global Services for a Component Services Program. Air India also strengthened its partnership with Airbus by converting 15 A321neo orders into the longer-range A321XLR variant. Air India also entered a strategic MoU with Hindustan Institute of Engineering and Technology (HIET) to create a structured training pipeline for licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (AME). The agreement provides for a DGCA‑approved AME Cadet Programme, addressing rapidly rising demand for licensed maintenance talent as Air India expands its fleet. Training will include DGCA‑specified Category B1.1 (Aeroplane Turbine) and B2 (Avionics) streams. Meanwhile, the "Make in India" initiative received a major boost as Sakthi Group and Omnipol signed a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce the L410 NG 19-seater aircraft to the domestic market. The companies are evaluating the feasibility of setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in India. India’s indigenous aerospace strength was also highlighted as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) signed a contract with Pawan Hans Limited for the supply of 10 Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters by 2027, valued at more than ₹1,800 crore, the deal is seen as a significant milestone for the civil helicopter segment, reinforcing the shift towards domestically developed platforms for utility, connectivity, and offshore operations. The agreement underlines India’s growing self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing and its push to strengthen local capabilities across critical aviation services. To support this rapid growth, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) partnered with Airports Council International (ACI) to launch a professional accreditation program. Over the next five years, more than 115 Indian aviation professionals will be trained to meet global leadership standards, ensuring that India's airport management remains world-class. Also the Airports Authority of India (AAI) will invest ₹150 billion by 2028 to modernise the country’s Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure. The investment will focus on upgrading communication, navigation, and surveillance systems across major airports. The initiative aims to enhance airspace capacity, improve flight safety, and support India’s rapidly growing air traffic. The modernisation is also aligned with global standards for digital and automated ATC operations. Wings India 2026 Awards: Recognising Excellence Across India’s Aviation Ecosystem India’s aviation sector also celebrated outstanding achievements at the Wings India 2026 Awards, honouring airports, airlines, service providers, manufacturers, states, and innovators that have made significant contributions to the industry. The awards highlighted excellence in connectivity, infrastructure development, manufacturing, sustainability, and skill-building, reflecting India’s growing stature as a global aviation hub. Category Sub-Award Winner Airports Best Airport of the Year Delhi International Airport Limited Airports Best Airport (>25 MPPA) Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru Airports Best Airport (10–25 MPPA) Pune Airport Airports Best Airport (5–10 MPPA) Lucknow International Airport Limited Airports Best Airport (

Wings India 2026 Drives Multi-Billion-Dollar Aviation Agreements And Partnerships

Aviation Today News Desk February 2, 2026

Hyderabad, India: Asia’s largest civil aviation exhibition, Wings India 2026, ended on a high note this week with a string of strategic

New Delhi, India: ICRA has revised its domestic air passenger growth projection for FY26 to 4–6%, down from the previous estimate of 7–10%. This adjustment follows a modest 0.3% year-on-year increase in passenger traffic to 13.17 million in August 2025. The revised forecast anticipates a total of 172–176 million domestic passengers for the fiscal year, compared to 165.4 million in FY25. International air traffic growth estimates have also been reduced to 13–15% for FY26, from the earlier projection of 15–20%. Factors contributing to this downgrade include geopolitical tensions affecting flight operations, decreased travel confidence following a recent aircraft accident, and global trade challenges such as the impact of U.S. tariffs. Consequently, ICRA projects the aviation sector's net losses to widen to ₹9,500–10,500 crore in FY26, up from ₹5,500 crore in FY25. This increase is attributed to slower passenger growth amid rising aircraft deliveries and operational hurdles. Industry capacity also declined, with capacity deployment in August 2025 dropping 5.8% compared to the same month last year. Supply chain disruptions and engine issues, particularly involving Pratt & Whitney engines, have led to approximately 133 aircraft being grounded as of March 31, 2025, accounting for 15–17% of the total industry fleet. Despite a decrease in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, cost pressures persist due to the dollar-denominated nature of key operating expenses, including fuel, aircraft leases, and maintenance. These factors continue to impact airlines' profitability. ICRA notes that while some carriers benefit from strong parental support and adequate liquidity, others may face challenges in maintaining credit metrics and liquidity profiles in the near term.

ICRA Slashes India’s FY26 Air Passenger Growth Forecast to 4–6%, Warns of Losses

Aviation Today News Desk October 4, 2025

New Delhi, India: ICRA has revised its domestic air passenger growth projection for FY26 to 4–6%, down from the previous estimate

New Delhi, India: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised red flags over the mounting personnel crisis in India’s civil aviation regulatory framework, cautioning that the persistent staff shortage at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) now poses an “existential threat” to air safety. The committee has urged the government to immediately grant the DGCA full administrative and financial autonomy, a step it believes is essential for safeguarding the integrity of one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. The recommendations were part of the committee’s report, “Overall Review of Safety in the Civil Aviation Sector,” which comes at a time when Indian aviation is under heightened scrutiny following the June 12 crash of Air India flight AI 171. The tragedy, which killed 260 people, has triggered renewed debate about whether India’s regulatory institutions are adequately equipped to manage the pressures of rapid industry growth. Earlier in a written response to the Lower House, the minister stated that 441 new positions were established at the DGCA as part of a restructuring exercise concluded between 2022 and 2024. The process of filling up the posts involves framing of recruitment rules and the action by the recruiting agencies like Union Public Services Commission (UPSC) and Staff Selection Commission (SSC). “The recruitment is a continuous process and posts are filled up according to the prescribed procedure” the minister said and added that BCAS is a deputation-based organisation. The parliamentary panel underscored the seriousness of the DGCA’s manpower crisis, describing it as “profound and persistent.” According to the data it reviewed, the regulator has filled only 553 of 1,063 sanctioned posts, leaving nearly 50% of positions vacant. This gap, the panel warned, has direct implications for safety oversight. At a time when the aviation sector is expanding at record pace with passenger traffic expected to nearly double by the end of the decade, the regulator’s inability to deploy sufficient inspectors, technical experts, and operational staff risks creating “systemic vulnerabilities.” The report also zeroed in on the Airports Authority of India (AAI), which manages air traffic control operations nationwide. It flagged a severe shortage of Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and pointed to a worrying pattern of staff fatigue caused by overwork. The committee accused the AAI of routinely violating prescribed duty-time restrictions for controllers, a practice it deemed “an active and ongoing threat to the safety of the flying public.” In response, it recommended the urgent implementation of a national Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) to track workload, rest cycles, and fatigue among controllers. Additionally, it called for a detailed staffing audit across AAI operations to ensure adequate manpower levels are sustained. Beyond staffing, the panel pressed for stronger measures to tackle runway incursions and high-risk operational events. It recommended that each incident undergo a comprehensive root-cause analysis, with corrective action taken to prevent recurrence.

Parliament Panel Warns DGCA, ATC Staff Shortage Poses Risk to Indian Aviation

Aviation Today News Desk August 21, 2025

New Delhi, India: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has raised red flags over the mounting personnel crisis in India’s civil aviation regulatory

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India

IndiGo Tops India In Pilot Numbers But Has Lowest Pilot-To-Aircraft Ratio At 7.6

DGCA Issues Safety Warning To Charter Operators After Decade-Long Accident Data Review

India Revises Airline Refund Rules, Introduces 48-Hour Free Cancellation Window

India Has 25,001 Active Pilots As Fleet Growth Accelerates; Employment Data Missing

IndiGo, Air India, SpiceJet Flag DGCA’s Revised FDTL Framework As More Restrictive

DGCA Says 377 Of 754 Indian Commercial Aircrafts Show Recurring Technical Defects

Wings India 2026 Drives Multi-Billion-Dollar Aviation Agreements And Partnerships

ICRA Slashes India’s FY26 Air Passenger Growth Forecast to 4–6%, Warns of Losses

Parliament Panel Warns DGCA, ATC Staff Shortage Poses Risk to Indian Aviation

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