Why India’s Pilots Say DGCA’s Anti-‘Poaching’ Push Misses The Point

India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has lately turned its spotlight on pilots. After announcing plans to revamp how Indian pilots are trained, the watchdog has now raised alarm over foreign airlines allegedly poaching them.

Pilot poaching refers to the practice of one airline hiring trained pilots or other skilled aviation staff — engineers, technicians, or cabin crew — from another carrier.

In a working paper submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) on August 1, India urged member countries to adopt a new code of conduct to regulate such hiring practices. It warned that the unchecked poaching of skilled Indian staff was “adversely impacting India’s ability to develop its civil aviation sector in an orderly manner.”

The paper argued that foreign carriers routinely recruit experienced pilots, engineers, and cabin crew from Indian airlines, trapping the domestic industry in a “vicious cycle” of constantly having to replace staff. That, in turn, diverts resources away from expansion and operational improvements.

However, pilots aren’t happy with the DGCA’s actions.

“First of all, the word poaching is used for animals. They have used this term for pilots, and it is derogatory,” Captain Sam Thomas, president of the Airline Pilots' Association of India (ALPA), told The Core.

Last week, the ALPA urged the DGCA to withdraw its proposal to the United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which seeks to mandate a notice period for all aviation personnel, including cockpit crew, as a way to deter poaching by foreign airlines.

“After Go Air shut down, I can give you names of captains who had to join other carriers as first officers, that is co-pilots,” Captain Sanjay Gupta, a veteran industry expert, told The Core. “Why would they do that? Because there is already an excess of pilots in the market after Go Air’s closure.”

India’s bid to curb pilot “poaching” highlights a larger challenge — protecting its aviation ambitions while competing for talent globally. Regulators want notice periods to shield airlines, but pilots argue this limits their rights and ignores why they leave: better pay and conditions abroad. The standoff could redefine how India retains aviation talent.

How Did We Get Here?

The tug-of-war over pilot notice periods dates back to 2017, when the Delhi High Court stayed a DGCA rule that required first officers to serve a minimum notice of six months and captains a full year. Pilot unions had challenged the rule as excessive.

Airlines, however, found a way around the ruling. In the aftermath of the pandemic, many revised their employment contracts to reintroduce the same six- and twelve-month notice requirements.

That makes India an outlier: most global carriers, from Singapore Airlines to Qatar Airways and Emirates, ask for just three months. In the US and Europe, notice periods are typically one to three months, after which pilots are free to exit without penalties.

“The Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) mandating a one-year notice period has been kept in abeyance by the court. At present, the applicable rule is a six-month notice period,” Thomas said.

The Government of India has taken note of reports that foreign airlines are recruiting Indian-trained pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs). This development has raised concerns, particularly in the context of human resource planning for the Indian civil aviation sector.

DGCA Vs Pilots

The DGCA believes that pilots moving to international airlines hamper the functioning of Indian airlines and the aviation industry as a whole.

“Given the significant investment made in training aviation personnel both by individuals and Indian institutions, such recruitment practices could impact the availability of skilled manpower for domestic operations,” a DGCA official told The Core on the condition of anonymity.

The watchdog believes that the hiring of aviation resources must be more transparent. The DGCA has said that it is actively examining policy options to ensure a balanced and fair approach that protects the interests of Indian aviation operators while maintaining alignment with global aviation norms.

“While the global mobility of professionals is recognised and respected, the government is of the view that recruitment must be carried out ethically, transparently, and in a manner that does not disrupt national aviation capabilities,” the DGCA official said.

Pilot groups believe the government’s latest move — pushing for an international code of conduct at ICAO — is simply a backdoor attempt to enforce what courts had already struck down.

“DGCA doesn’t know what its limits are. If you’re the regulator, be the regulator. Don’t meddle in employment contracts,” Thomas said.

Thomas also pointed out that the regulator justified the rule by citing a supposed exodus of pilots that threatened “public convenience.” However, when his group filed an RTI request, the DGCA did not provide data on the same.

The government’s latest working paper now shifts the blame outward—arguing that foreign carriers are draining Indian expertise and disrupting operations. But critics aren’t convinced.

“Do you think Gulf airlines are going to stop and wait for DGCA’s approval before hiring?” Thomas asked.

Regulation Or Protectionism?

Industry watchers note that in other aviation hubs, mobility is seen as part of a healthy labour market. The European Union, for instance, protects pilots’ right to move freely within member states, while the US leaves such matters entirely to contractual agreements between employer and employee.

Against that backdrop, India’s unusually long notice periods look more like protectionism than regulation.

According to DGCA, the implementation of a Code of Conduct for recruitment will benefit the Indian aviation industry by:

• Promoting ethical and coordinated hiring practices.

• Minimising the sudden outflow of trained Indian personnel.

• Supporting workforce stability for Indian operators.

Such a framework is expected to enhance long-term planning and operational resilience within the Indian civil aviation ecosystem.

“The government’s vision is to position India as a global hub for aviation training, maintenance, and innovation, while ensuring that Indian professionals have ample opportunities for growth within the country,” the DGCA official said.

The DGCA believes that the broader aim is to “balance international cooperation with national capacity-building” to ensure that India remains a key player in the future of global aviation.

What It Means for Pilots

For many Indian pilots, the story is no different from that of aircraft engineers who have moved abroad: better pay, more predictable schedules, and a higher standard of living are powerful incentives to leave.

“Look at any other profession — engineers, IT workers, finance professionals, even doctors — they can move abroad freely to do the same job,” said a pilot who left India for an overseas airline. “Why is it that only pilots are being targeted and held back?”

The frustration is compounded by practices at home. Earlier this year, Air India and IndiGo reportedly entered into a tacit agreement not to hire each other’s pilots, with both carriers claiming it was in the interest of fairness.

ALPA India called it an “anti-competitive pact,” flagging the issue to the civil aviation ministry and demanding intervention.

With the two largest airlines unwilling to recruit from each other, pilots say their options are shrinking at home. “Where are we supposed to go?” asked the pilot.

The long notice period adds another layer of strain. “How can you hold someone for a year after they’ve resigned?” the pilot continued. “It’s unsafe! Imagine a person who doesn’t want to be in the company anymore, but is forced to fly for months. That’s not good for anyone.”

What if the rule passes? A stricter notice period, if enforced globally, could have serious consequences for pilots in India.

“A frustrated pilot will make mistakes—that’s just human nature. If someone is overworked, denied leave, and constantly pushed around, it’s not a safe scenario. And in aviation, safety is everything. You don’t want that kind of stress playing out in the skies,” Gupta added.