Aviation Ministry: Pilot-Aircraft Ratio Adequate Despite IndiGo Disruptions

• The Civil Aviation Ministry confirms the current pilot-to-aircraft ratio at domestic airlines is adequate, even with new flight duty norms.
• This statement follows significant flight disruptions at IndiGo in December 2025, partly attributed to issues with complying with new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules.
• DGCA norms mandate a minimum of three sets of flight and cabin crew per aircraft for operational stability.
• Minister Murlidhar Mohol stated airlines assess pilot-aircraft ratios for fleet expansion and dynamic operational needs, conducting periodic reviews.
• IndiGo faced penalties, including a ₹22.20 crore fine and a ₹50 crore bank guarantee, with a senior VP removed from operational duties for compliance deficiencies.

Why It Matters: Aviation Ministry assures adequate pilot-aircraft ratios, despite IndiGo's recent FDTL-related operational challenges.