T he Airlines Pilots' Association of India (ALPA India) has sharply questioned both airline managements and the aviation regulator after widespread flight disruptions across the country were linked to an alleged shortage of pilots. The association said the spate of cancellations, particularly the large-scale disruptions reported on December 3 reflect deeper structural issues involving poor manpower planning and inadequate regulatory oversight.

Pilot shortage or planning failure?

In a strongly worded statement, ALPA India argued that attributing the cancellations solely to the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) norms oversimplifies the issue. Instead, it points to a “failure of proactive resource planning” by major carriers, particularly those with dominant market share.

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