# India expands pilot training capacity

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-expands-pilot-training-capacity
> Updated: 2026-08-05T17:02:23.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

In July 2026 the Directorate General of Civil Aviation reported that 1,331 commercial pilot licences were issued in the first half of the year, a rise from previous years and reflecting growing demand from Indian airlines. The data highlighted that 41 % of new pilots were trained abroad, underscoring a need to boost domestic training capacity.

A week later the Airports Authority of India announced the award of 11 new Flying Training Organisation (FTO) slots at seven airports. The tender process was completed with technical bids opened on 30 April 2026 and financial bids on 22 May 2026, after which all sites were awarded. The new slots raise the total number of FTOs from 41 to 52 and are expected to add 750 pilot‑cadet slots per year, increasing the training pipeline to roughly 1,500 graduates when fully operational.

Initially the FTOs will add 60‑70 training aircraft, scaling to 110‑120, and aim to train 400‑500 aviation professionals annually, rising to about 1,500 per year. Training aircraft numbers are set to grow from 324 to 385, and commercial pilot licences issued have risen from 1,347 in 2024 to 1,652 in 2025. The expansion is intended to meet a projected shortage of more than 30,000 pilots over the next decade, reduce reliance on foreign training, retain expenditure domestically, and make regional airports viable for ab‑initio pilot training.

Together, the reports show a coordinated effort to expand India’s pilot‑training infrastructure, increase domestic licence issuance, and address a looming pilot shortage.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-05: India adds 11 new flying training organisations, raising pilot capacity by 750

India's civil aviation ministry approved 11 new flying training organisations at seven airports, adding 750 pilot cadet slots annually and expanding the sector's training capacity.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-adds-11-new-flying-training-organisations-raising-pilot-capacity-by-750

### 2026-08-01: India adds 11 new pilot training slots to curb 30,000‑plus pilot shortage

AAI approved 11 new pilot‑training slots at seven Indian airports, targeting a 30,000‑plus pilot shortfall and aiming to train up to 1,500 professionals annually.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-adds-11-new-pilot-training-slots-to-curb-30000plus-pilot-shortage

### 2026-07-21: India Issues 1,331 Commercial Pilot Licences in First Half of 2026

India's DGCA issued 1,331 commercial pilot licences in Jan‑June 2026, with 41% trained abroad, reflecting rising airline demand.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-issues-1331-commercial-pilot-licences-in-first-half-of-2026

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Cite as: India expands pilot training capacity. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-expands-pilot-training-capacity