Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Experts Seek Stronger Screening for Indian Pilots Abroad
Experts want Indian-trained pilots who work for foreign airlines to undergo very careful checks.
They said pilots should be tested and evaluated before taking international jobs.
India’s aviation regulator does not directly control pilots working for airlines based in other countries.
The regulator in the airline’s home country is responsible for overseeing those pilots.
Experts also discussed rules requiring two people to be in the cockpit.
They said safety rules may need to be reviewed if a danger comes from inside the cockpit.
One expert praised Captain Smit Machhar for acting bravely during an incident involving nearly 170 passengers.
The Civil Aviation Ministry said its new security reforms are designed to make procedures clearer and more accountable while preserving safety.
Aviation experts called for tougher screening, licensing and evaluation of Indian-trained pilots joining foreign airlines.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation does not directly regulate pilots employed by airlines based outside India.
Experts said the aviation authority in the airline’s home country handles monitoring, assessment and regulatory compliance.
Existing cockpit procedures require at least two people inside, including a cabin crew member when a pilot leaves.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation said recent reforms emphasize simplification, accountability, transparency and trust without weakening safety.
- Who
- Aviation experts, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Civil Aviation and aviation-security officials.
- What
- They discussed stronger screening and evaluation for Indian-trained pilots working for foreign airlines, along with cockpit-security safeguards and regulatory reforms.
- When
- The calls were made on Friday; the ministry’s reforms were recently outlined.
- Where
- The discussion took place in New Delhi and concerned pilots working with airlines based outside India.
- Why
- The measures are intended to address emerging risks and maintain aviation safety and security.
- Pilot oversight
- Foreign airlines’ home-country aviation authorities oversee monitoring, assessment and regulatory compliance.
- Indian regulator
- The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has no direct regulatory role over pilots employed by airlines operating outside India.
- Recommended checks
- Experts called for stringent screening, licensing and evaluation of Indian-trained pilots before international assignments.
- Cockpit rule
- At least two individuals are required to be in the cockpit under existing procedures.
- Cabin crew role
- A cabin crew member must remain in the cockpit when a pilot temporarily leaves.
- Security reforms
- The Ministry of Civil Aviation said reforms focus on simplification, accountability, transparency and trust.
- Praised pilot
- Captain Smit Machhar was praised for taking decisive action during a crisis involving nearly 170 passengers.