In a move that underscores the intensifying competition for cockpit talent in India’s aviation market, Air India today announced an immediate hiring drive for pilots rated on the Airbus A320 family—just three days after IndiGo received a temporary relaxation from the government on Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms.

The timing of Air India’s recruitment push is striking. IndiGo, the country’s largest airline by market share, is currently under pressure to quickly scale up its pilot pool to meet new FDTL requirements aimed at improving crew fatigue management.

Although IndiGo has secured short-term relief from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the relaxation is temporary, and the carrier must still prepare for full compliance in the coming months.

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