IndiGo averages 8 pilots per aircraft:Lowest among domestic carriers: DGCA imposed ₹22 cr penalty in Dec over flight disruptions

The Ministry of Civil Aviation informed Parliament on Thursday that IndiGo has a pilot-to-aircraft ratio of 7.6, meaning an average of about eight pilots per aircraft. This is the lowest among domestic airlines in the country. The information was provided by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol in a written reply in the Lok Sabha. An aircraft typically operates several flights in a day, and since pilots require mandatory rest periods, multiple pilots are assigned to each aircraft. According to the data, SpiceJet has the highest ratio, with 9.4 pilots per aircraft. Akasa Air follows with 9.33 pilots per aircraft. Air India has a ratio of 9.1 pilots per aircraft, while its subsidiary Air India Express has 8.8. Peter Elbers, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo, India’s largest airline, resigned on March 10. The airline faced disruptions in flight operations in December 2025, affecting around 3 lakh passengers. Following this, aviation regulator DGCA imposed a fine of ₹22.20 crore on the airline. Total 5,200 pilots at IndiGo Murlidhar Mohol informed that Air India Express has the highest number of foreign (expat) pilots, with 48. IndiGo has hired 29 foreign pilots. IndiGo has a total of 5,200 pilots, including 970 women pilots. Air India has 3,123 pilots, including 508 women. Air India Express has a total of 1,820 pilots, including 234 women. Akasa Air has 761 pilots, including 76 women pilots. SpiceJet has a total of 375 pilots, including 58 women. Toll collection crosses ₹61,000 crore Toll collection from national highways (NH) in the country has crossed ₹61,000 crore. In five years, it has increased by about 120%. Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari provided this information in the Lok Sabha. He said toll collection has seen a steady and significant rise over the past five years. In 2024–25, the amount reached ₹61,408.15 crore. According to the data, ₹27,926.67 crore was collected in the financial year 2020–21. The government said toll rates are linked to inflation. 9,000 Indian citizens in Iran, government advises caution The government has informed Parliament that around 9,000 Indian citizens are currently living in Iran. These include students, businesspersons, factory workers, pilgrims, sailors and fishermen. Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita told the Rajya Sabha that the Indian Embassy in Tehran has advised all Indians to remain cautious, stay updated on the situation and keep in contact with the embassy. The government said that in view of the current situation, the Ministry of External Affairs has set up a special control room in New Delhi. The embassy has also launched an emergency assistance phone and email service. Arrangements are being made to assist Indians who wish to return to India. Tensions in West Asia escalated after the US and Israel launched a military strike on Iran on February 28, in which Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed. IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers resigns: Flight operations were disrupted in December, and the airline was fined ₹22 crore.