In a landmark development for Indian civil aviation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a record-high 1,628 Commercial Pilot Licences (CPLs) in the calendar year 2024 the highest number ever granted in the history of the sector.
According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, this figure represents a significant expansion in the pilot workforce, more than 2.5 times the number issued eight years ago, and reflects growing training capacities and robust momentum within the aviation ecosystem.
Over recent years, the number of CPLs issued annually has steadily climbed, reinforcing India’s efforts to scale up aviation human resources to match the country’s booming air traffic demands. Analysts say the surge is a promising sign for airlines grappling with pilot shortages as operations expand – The Economic Times
The latest figures also highlight the DGCA’s active role in not only licensing pilots but in overall market oversight including monitoring fare levels and coordinating with airlines to protect passengers during operational challenges like the IndiGo disruptions late last year.
This milestone underlines India’s rising stature in global civil aviation and opens up enhanced career pathways for aspiring pilots across the country.