IndiGo's Pilot Shortage: Can It Hire 900 by 2026 Amid DGCA Rules?

• IndiGo faces operational issues and flight cancellations due to a pilot shortage, exacerbated by new DGCA rules on pilot working hours.
• The airline, with a 63% market share, was unprepared for the new regulations, especially impacting its extensive night operations.
• DGCA temporarily postponed new rules until Feb 10, 2026, providing short-term relief, but IndiGo must urgently recruit.
• IndiGo plans to recruit 900 new pilots by December 2026, including 300 captains and 600 first officers in the next 12 months.
• Experts doubt IndiGo can meet recruitment targets quickly due to long pilot notice periods and complex foreign pilot hiring processes, with a current deficit of 974 pilots.

Why It Matters: IndiGo's pilot shortage could mean more flight delays and cancellations for passengers.