Every month, I keep an eye on India’s aviation numbers because they tell us where our skies are headed — and where opportunities for pilots are growing. The latest data from ICRA shows a 10.2% jump in domestic passenger traffic in April 2025, with 145.5 lakh people flying within India compared to 132 lakh in April 2024.
A Healthy Growth Trend
For the entire FY2024–25, domestic travel rose 7.6%, reaching 1,653.8 lakh passengers, which is a 16.8% increase over pre-COVID levels. International travel is also booming — Indian carriers flew 338.6 lakh passengers overseas, a 14.1% rise from last year and nearly 50% above pre-pandemic numbers.
From the cockpit, this means one thing: the demand for skilled pilots is only going up.
Capacity and Competition
Interestingly, April saw a 6.9% year-on-year capacity increase (more seats in the market) but a 4.2% dip from March, hinting at temporary adjustments by airlines. Even with these fluctuations, airlines are maintaining pricing power, and yields (average earnings per passenger) remain stable. ICRA predicts domestic traffic will grow another 7–10% in FY26, keeping the momentum strong.
What Does This Mean for Aspiring Pilots?
- More flights, more pilots – Expanding passenger traffic means airlines must recruit and train more crew.
- International growth – With overseas travel rebounding, opportunities aren’t just domestic; Indian pilots are flying global routes more than ever.
- A stable outlook – ICRA’s “stable” industry projection means continued growth without extreme market swings.
Final Thoughts
I’ve seen the Indian aviation sector go through ups and downs, but the current trajectory is incredibly promising. For those training today, this isn’t just a post-pandemic rebound — it’s the start of a long-term growth cycle.
If you’ve been on the fence about starting your pilot journey, consider this your green signal. India’s skies are getting busier, and the cockpit seats are waiting.