India’s largest budget airline is scrambling to expand its workforce rapidly in order to comply with stricter safety and duty regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline has launched an aggressive recruitment drive, offering substantial incentives such as joining bonuses of up to ₹50 lakh, stock options and guaranteed flying hours to attract pilots and other crew members before regulatory deadlines.
Why The Hiring Push Is Happening
The recruitment rush is a response to updated DGCA rules related to Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and crew rest norms. These regulations, designed to enhance safety and ensure sufficient rest for pilots and crew, have made compliance more difficult for airlines with strained manpower. To meet the new requirements, carriers must demonstrate they have enough qualified pilots and crew to operate flights without violating duty or rest limits.
The airline at the centre of this push has reportedly set aggressive targets to bring in hundreds of pilots and first officers by early February 2026, with plans laid out to recruit even more over the coming year to ensure compliance with DGCA standards. Industry estimates suggest the airline aims to hire around 300 captains and 600 first officers in the months ahead.
Incentives To Attract Talent
To lure experienced pilots from competitors and new talent into its ranks, the airline is offering joining bonuses of up to ₹50 lakh, favourable home bases, guaranteed flying hours and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). These incentives are designed to make offers more attractive in a tight labour market where skilled pilots are in high demand.
Apart from pilots, airlines are also expanding recruitment for cabin crew, ground staff, engineers and technicians to meet broader DGCA compliance needs.
Background: Recent Operational Struggles
The recruitment urgency comes after a period of operational disruption linked to crew shortages and the rollout of new DGCA work-time rules late last year. India’s largest carrier experienced widespread flight cancellations and delays as it struggled to adjust crew rosters under the updated norms. Temporary regulatory relaxations were granted, but carriers continue to face pressure to strengthen staffing levels to avoid future disruptions and maintain schedule reliability.
Broader Impact On The Aviation Sector
The staffing crunch highlights an industry-wide challenge: Indian aviation has expanded rapidly in recent years, increasing aircraft fleets and market demand, but training and retaining qualified pilots and crew has lagged. Airlines are not only competing for passengers, but also for skilled personnel, raising recruitment costs and stressing training pipelines.
If the hiring targets are met on time, the airline will likely stabilise operations, comply with DGCA norms, and reduce the risk of cancellations and regulatory action. However, the rush to hire underscores deep structural pressures on India’s booming aviation market.
