India to get 11 new flying schools to boost domestic pilot training capacity
Public Lokpal
August 01, 2026
India to get 11 new flying schools to boost domestic pilot training capacity
New Delhi: In a major push to strengthen domestic pilot training capacity and reduce reliance on foreign flying schools, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has successfully completed the tender process for 11 new Flying Training Organisation (FTO) slots at seven of its airports under the latest e-tender round launched in February 2026.
The technical bids were opened on 30 April 2026 and financial bids on 22 May 2026. The entire process has been successful for all sites, AAI documents state.
At full maturity, the output could rise to approximately 1500 professionals per year, with a core output of 700 to 750 cadets and trainees.
This additional capacity will help to reduce dependence on overseas pilot training, retain training expenditure within India, improve utilisation of regional airports and make them ideal for ab-initio flying training.
Domestic pilot licensing numbers have already shown strong growth; CPL issuances rose from 640 in 2018 to 1628 in 2024. In a recent year, DGCA also issued 615 CPLs to foreign-trained cadets alongside a massive 2309 Student Pilot Licences, reflecting rising domestic enrolment.
The new FTOs at regional airports are expected to further accelerate this trend by offering more accessible and cost-effective training options for aspiring pilots while improving productive use of airport infrastructure.