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How Much Do Pilots Earn in India Per Month?

India’s civil aviation sector is preparing for a major expansion. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has completed the tender process for 11 new Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) at seven airports across the country, a move aimed directly at closing India’s projected shortage of over 30,000 pilots over the next decade.

For students currently in DGCA Ground Classes or planning to start their pilot training journey, this is genuinely good news. More flying schools mean more seats, more training aircraft, and shorter waiting times to convert ground school knowledge into actual flying hours.

India faces 30,000+ pilot shortage
India faces 30,000+ pilot shortage

Why India Needs 30,000 More Pilots

The Ministry of Civil Aviation estimates India will need between 30,000 and 31,800 additional pilots over the next ten years. This demand is being driven by rapid fleet expansion, with Indian carriers expected to induct close to 500 new aircraft over the next five years, alongside plans to grow the country’s airport network by 50 more airports.

At present, India has only 41 DGCA-approved FTOs operating from 63 flying bases. That capacity has grown slowly, adding just a handful of new organisations over the last few years, even as airline fleets and passenger demand have expanded much faster. This gap between training capacity and industry demand is exactly what the new FTOs are designed to close.

What the 11 New Flying Schools Will Add

According to the tender details, the new FTOs are expected to bring significant capacity to India’s flight training ecosystem:

  • 60 to 70 training aircraft in the initial phase, scaling up to a combined fleet of 110 to 120 aircraft at full capacity
  • Multiple flight simulators and training devices at each new facility
  • An initial annual training capacity of 400 to 500 aviation professionals, including cadet pilots and technical trainees
  • At full maturity, the capacity could rise to around 1,500 professionals per year, including 700 to 750 core cadets and trainees

This expansion builds on two earlier rounds of FTO allocation, in 2021 and 2022, when AAI awarded a combined 15 FTO slots across ten airports including Belagavi, Jalgaon, Kalaburagi, Khajuraho, Bhavnagar, Hubballi, and Salem.

Why This Matters for Aspiring Pilots

For students preparing for a career in aviation, more domestic flying schools translate into a few very practical advantages:

Reduced dependence on foreign training A large share of Indian pilots have historically had to travel abroad to complete their flying hours due to limited domestic capacity. More FTOs mean more students can complete their entire training journey, from DGCA Ground Classes to flying hours, within India.

More affordable training pathways Training expenditure staying within India, combined with better utilisation of regional airports, is expected to make flight training more cost-effective for students pursuing a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Faster progression from ground school to flying hours With domestic CPL issuances already rising sharply, from 640 in 2018 to 1,628 in 2024, more flying school capacity should help reduce the current bottleneck many students face while waiting to start flight training after clearing ground exams.

Stronger long-term career prospects With the industry needing 30,000+ new pilots over the next decade, students who begin their cadet pilot programs now are positioning themselves well ahead of a hiring wave that airlines will need to meet fleet expansion targets.

How FMS Aviation Academy Prepares You for This Opportunity

This kind of industry-wide expansion only benefits students who are genuinely ready for it. FMS Aviation Academy’s structured approach ensures students aren’t just waiting for opportunities. they’re actively preparing for them.

  • AI-powered DGCA preparation platform, India’s first of its kind, to help students clear ground exams faster and more efficiently
  • Mentorship from a Senior Airline Captain with 17+ years of experience, guiding students on both exam strategy and real-world flying expectations
  • Flying school selection support, helping students choose from India’s growing list of DGCA-approved FTOs based on cost, location, and training timeline
  • End-to-end career guidance, from ground classes through Airline Entrance Exam Preparation, so students are ready the moment airlines start hiring at scale

Why Join FMS Aviation Academy?

  • 4+ Ground School Locations: Ahmedabad, Surat, Delhi, Dehradun
  • AI-Powered Learning Platform: India’s first smart DGCA preparation system
  • Expert Instruction: Learn directly from a Senior Airline Captain with 17+ years of experience
  • One-on-One Counselling & Mentorship at every stage
  • Real-World Exposure: Industry visits, guest sessions, and flying school tie-ups
  • Trusted Track Record: 300+ students trained successfully across India
  • 5+ Partner Flying Schools for a seamless transition into flight training

Questions about your pilot journey? Talk to an FMS expert. 📞 75994 01111 | Contact Us | Browse All Courses

Hear From Our Students

Akshit Matta
Akshit Matta

Pilot Student

It has been a life-changing experience here. The faculty realizes about the mental and physical well being of a student, encourages constructive discussions. Capt. Manjeet Singh provides not just educational, but philosophical guidance as well, striving me to lead a life of ethics. Totally a worthwhile decision to enrol here.

Khushbu Yadav
Khushbu Yadav

Pilot Student

It's the best aviation academy for pilot training. I enrolled a few months ago, and I can proudly vouch that no other academy teaches a correct attitude of learning and development. FMS not only focuses on concept clearance but also CRM skills and discusses Aircraft Accident Investigations to understand the roles and responsibilities of airline pilots at a very initial stage.

Reeneta Dutta
Reeneta Dutta

Pilot Student

From an underconfident student to a confident aspirant, all thanks to FMS Aviation Academy, the instructors and especially Capt. Manjeet. The entire team is not just dedicated themselves but makes sure we push ourselves to the max. Every student gets individual attention as needed, timely tests and regular classes.

Sandeep Mistry
Sandeep Mistry

Pilot Student

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to FMS Aviation. Studying here has been an absolute joy. Initially, I chose the class because it was conveniently located near my house, but now I realize it's the best decision I could have made. The dedication and personal effort everyone at FMS Aviation puts into helping us succeed and feel cared for is truly unmatched. I am deeply thankful to everyone, especially Capt.Manjeet Sir, for creating such an exceptional and nurturing environment for us.

Rutul Prajapati
Rutul Prajapati

Pilot Student

I have been Studying CPL at FMS Aviation Academy and it has been a great experience. Captain Manjeet Singh is very thoughtful and puts a lot of thought into how he presents the material. His lessons are engaging, useful, and he is very patient with everyone in class always encouraging students to try.

FAQs: India's New Flying Schools and Pilot Shortage

How many new flying schools is India getting?

The Airports Authority of India has completed the tender process for 11 new Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) across seven airports in the country.

Why does India need more flying schools?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation projects a requirement of over 30,000 additional pilots over the next decade, driven by fleet expansion and the addition of new airports. Current domestic training capacity isn’t sufficient to meet this demand.

How many pilots will the new flying schools train?

At full capacity, the new FTOs are expected to train around 1,500 aviation professionals annually, including 700 to 750 core cadets and trainees.

Does this mean flight training in India will become more affordable?

Increased domestic capacity is expected to reduce dependence on expensive overseas training and improve cost-efficiency, though pricing will still vary by flying school and location.

How can I start my pilot training journey with FMS Aviation Academy?

You can begin with DGCA Ground Classes at any of FMS’s 4 locations, Ahmedabad, Surat, Delhi, or Dehradun, or contact FMS at 75994 01111 for a free counselling session on your pilot training roadmap.

Source

Economic Times, reporting on AAI’s Flying Training Organisation tender expansion (August 2026).

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