As airlines seek temporary relief from Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms amid longer international flight durations, data on pilot strength, pilot-to-aircraft ratio and passenger service indicators point to widening operational pressures across the aviation sector.

According to a response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, among Indian carriers, IndiGo has the largest pilot base at 5,200, with a pilot-to-aircraft ratio of 7.6. Air India follows with 3,123 pilots and a ratio of 9.1.

Air India Express employs 1,820 (ratio 8.8), while Akasa Air has 761 pilots with a ratio of 9.33. SpiceJet operates with 375 pilots but has the highest pilot-to-aircraft ratio at 9.4. Alliance Air, with 115 pilots, has the lowest ratio at 6.

The pilot-to-aircraft ratio is a key indicator of scheduling flexibility. Higher ratios typically provide airlines greater buffer to manage disruptions, crew rest requirements and roster adjustments. Carriers operating with lower ratios may face tighter operational margins during unforeseen events such as diversions or airspace closures.

To supplement domestic capacity, some airlines have hired foreign pilots. Air India Express leads with 48 foreign pilots, followed by IndiGo with 29 and Alliance Air with 15.

Cancellation data show diverging trends across carriers. IndiGo improved its cancellation rate from 0.78 per cent in 2024 to 0.48 per cent in 2025. Akasa Air also saw improvement, with cancellations declining from 0.31 per cent to 0.19 per cent.

In contrast, the Air India group’s cancellation rate rose from 0.62 per cent in 2024 to 0.71 per cent in 2025. SpiceJet recorded the highest cancellation rates among major carriers, increasing from 1.91 per cent to 1.97 per cent.

Passenger service indicators show a sharp increase in baggage-related complaints in 2025.

Damaged baggage cases rose from 224 in 2024 to 416 in 2025. Missing or stolen baggage incidents more than doubled from 185 to 433 during the same period.

Data for delayed baggage were not maintained separately until 2025, when 76 cases were recorded. In 2026 (till February 28), 153 damaged baggage cases, 69 delayed baggage complaints and 173 missing or stolen baggage cases have already been reported.

The rise in baggage complaints, along with mixed trends in flight cancellations, highlights the growing operational strain on airlines as they expand and navigate external disruptions. As carriers add aircraft and seek temporary regulatory flexibility, ensuring adequate crew strength and consistent service standards will be critical to maintaining passenger trust.

Published on March 13, 2026