India granted 1,331 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) in the initial six months of 2026, with more than 40% of new pilots trained abroad, as per government data. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) disclosed that 791 cadets were trained in Indian Flying Training Organisations (FTOs), while 540 cadets received training in foreign FTOs by June 30.
This indicates that approximately 41% of the newly licensed commercial pilots underwent training overseas. The surge in licences comes as Indian airlines expand their fleets and routes, leading to a heightened demand for pilots in the industry.
The DGCA issued 1,652 Commercial Pilot Licences in 2025, showing a growth trend from 1,347 in 2024, 1,622 in 2023, and 1,165 in 2022. Furthermore, India currently hosts 41 DGCA-approved Flying Training Organisations across 63 bases, operating with a fleet of over 400 training aircraft.
According to regulations, Flying Training Organisations must maintain a 1:1:10 ratio of aircraft-instructor-student, allowing them to accommodate around 3,500 students simultaneously. The government has also implemented measures to enhance the pilot training ecosystem, streamlining approval processes for FTOs and revising training regulations for increased capacity and efficiency.
These developments coincide with the robust growth of India’s aviation sector, with domestic airlines expanding operations and placing substantial aircraft orders, indicating a need for thousands of additional pilots in the near future.
