Amidst the operational turmoil at IndiGo, Air India has emerged with a recruitment advertisement, signaling growth and stability with the tagline "Sky Isn't The Limit". This move comes as IndiGo, India's largest airline, grapples with significant flight disruptions due to pilot shortages and the repercussions of adapting to new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) implemented by the government.
IndiGo's troubles began in early December 2025, with widespread flight delays and cancellations across major Indian cities. The airline, which operates approximately 2,200 flights daily, has cancelled nearly 5,000 flights since December 5, 2025, causing widespread chaos and stranding thousands of passengers. The crisis stems from the airline's failure to adequately prepare for the new FDTL regulations, which aim to improve pilot working hours by increasing the mandatory weekly rest period from 36 to 48 hours.
The government has intervened, granting IndiGo temporary exemptions from the new rules until February 10, 2026, and ordering a high-level inquiry to determine the causes and accountability for the disruptions. Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu has criticized IndiGo for "mismanagement regarding their crew," while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has warned the airline of regulatory action.
In response to the crisis, IndiGo has lifted its hiring freeze and is actively recruiting captains and senior first officers for its Airbus A320 fleet. The airline has also established a Crisis Management Group to restore operational integrity, ensure timely information flow to passengers, and expedite refunds and baggage returns. IndiGo expects operations to return to normal between December 10 and 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, Air India is seizing the opportunity to bolster its workforce and expand its operations. The airline is conducting a recruitment drive for trainee pilots in 2025, requiring a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA, Multi-Engine and Instrument Rating, and a valid Indian Class I medical certificate. Air India's proactive hiring strategy aligns with its ambitious transformation plan under the Tata Group's leadership, which includes fleet upgrades, new flight routes, and a focus on customer experience.
Air India has announced increasing flight frequencies for its Northern Summer schedule, effective March 30, 2025, across the UK, Europe, Far East Asia, and Africa. The airline is also modernizing its fleet, with all narrow-body aircraft expected to be upgraded by mid-2025. Air India secured a USD 215 million loan to fund fleet renewal and expansion plans.
Other Indian carriers, such as Akasa Air, are also continuing operations and recruiting new pilots amidst the IndiGo crisis. A parliamentary standing committee had previously warned of the risks associated with rapid fleet expansion and lagging pilot recruitment, urging airlines to adhere to FDTL norms. As IndiGo works to resolve its operational challenges, Air India's pilot hiring initiative and expansion plans highlight the dynamic and competitive landscape of the Indian aviation industry.
