Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu announced that India will need at least 20,000 pilots in the coming years to meet the surging air travel demand.
Speaking at UDAAN Bhawan during the launch of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for pilots, Naidu highlighted India’s rapid growth as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
The Minister revealed that India plans to add 50 new airports within the next five years, expanding from the current 157—double the number from a decade ago. “We are looking at a very ambitious number. With orders of up to 1,700 planes set to join India’s fleet, there will be a huge demand for skilled pilots,” Naidu stated.
The newly launched EPL will allow pilots to access their licenses digitally, aligning with the government’s Digital India and Ease of Doing Business initiatives. With this move, India becomes the second country globally, after China, to implement electronic licenses for flight crew.
“This is a game-changer for Indian aviation—enhancing safety, interoperability, and aligning us with global best practices,” Naidu noted on social media. The EPL, accessible through the eGCA app, also offers real-time verification for global agencies.
The adoption of EPL reflects India’s commitment to modern aviation governance and positions the country as a leader in aviation innovation. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam and DGCA Director-General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai were also present at the launch.
