Aviation – Over 1400 Aircraft Grounded in India Since 2023
Aviation – India’s civil aviation sector has seen a significant number of aircraft taken out of service over the past three years due to technical faults and maintenance-related concerns. According to official data shared in Parliament, a total of 1,436 aircraft have been grounded between 2023 and March 25, 2026.
Year-wise breakdown of grounded aircraft
Responding to questions raised in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol provided a detailed year-by-year account of grounded aircraft. The figures indicate a steady rise over the years, with 356 aircraft grounded in 2023, increasing to 414 in 2024 and peaking at 567 in 2025. In 2026, up to March 25, 99 aircraft have already been grounded due to similar issues.
These numbers reflect ongoing challenges in maintaining fleet readiness, particularly as airlines expand operations and manage aging aircraft alongside newer additions.
Warning issued to Air India over flight time limits
The minister also informed the House that Air India had been formally cautioned in August 2025 for exceeding prescribed flying time limits on its Bengaluru–London routes. The violation occurred during May 2025 on flights AI 171 and AI 172.
Such warnings highlight the importance of strict compliance with aviation safety norms, especially concerning crew fatigue and operational limits.
Pilot availability and reliance on foreign crew
While addressing concerns about staffing, Mohol clarified that there is no overall shortage of pilots or cabin crew in India’s scheduled airlines. However, he acknowledged a gap in experienced commanders for certain aircraft types.
To bridge this gap, airlines are currently employing foreign pilots under the Foreign Aircrew Temporary Authorisation (FATA) framework. This arrangement allows airlines to maintain operational continuity while domestic training capacity continues to grow.
Aviation accidents and ongoing investigations
In a separate response regarding safety incidents, the minister revealed that 16 aviation accidents were recorded between 2025 and March 2026. Of these, eight were classified as fatal. Investigations into all these incidents are currently underway.
Regulatory oversight has also intensified during this period. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) conducted 56 regular audits and six special audits in 2025. In 2026 so far, the regulator has completed 12 regulatory audits along with 29 special audits.
Increased safety checks for non-scheduled operators
The DGCA has expanded its safety monitoring efforts to include non-scheduled operators. According to the minister, safety audits for such operators were carried out in two phases in February and March 2026. Additional rounds of inspections are planned in the coming months.
This move is aimed at strengthening oversight across all segments of aviation, not just commercial scheduled airlines.
Growth in pilot training and licensing
India’s aviation training ecosystem has also seen steady growth. Over the last five years, the DGCA has issued 9,609 Student Pilot Licences (SPLs) to trainees across the country.
The annual numbers show a consistent upward trend, with 1,173 licences issued in 2021, rising to 1,675 in 2022, 2,088 in 2023, 2,364 in 2024, and 2,309 in 2025.
Currently, 41 approved Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) operate across 63 training bases nationwide, supporting the increasing demand for pilots.
Commercial pilot licensing and training reforms
The minister further noted that 615 Commercial Pilot Licences were issued in the financial year 2025 to cadets who completed their training at foreign flying schools.
To improve training quality and transparency, the DGCA has introduced a ranking system for approved Flying Training Organisations. This framework is expected to help aspiring pilots make informed choices while encouraging higher standards among training institutes.
Balancing growth with safety priorities
India’s aviation sector continues to expand rapidly, driven by rising passenger demand and increased connectivity. However, the data presented in Parliament underscores the importance of maintaining safety standards alongside growth.
With ongoing audits, improved training systems, and regulatory oversight, authorities aim to address operational challenges while ensuring passenger safety remains a top priority.