India’s aviation watchdog grapples with severe staff shortages amid rising demands
India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is facing a growing staffing crisis as it struggles to keep up with inspections and regulatory demands. With nearly 2,000 aircraft to monitor, the agency operates with just 830 employees—less than half of its approved strength of 1,630 posts. The gap has widened significantly over the past five years, raising concerns about long-term solutions.
Between 31 March 2020 and 31 March 2025, the number of unfilled positions at DGCA rose sharply from 471 to 814. Despite this, the total workforce grew slightly, from 762 to 878 employees in the same period. The agency has attempted to address shortages by creating 441 new posts over the last three years as part of a restructuring plan.
The DGCA’s reliance on short-term hiring highlights the need for a more sustainable staffing strategy. With 801 vacancies still unfilled, the agency must find long-term solutions to manage its expanding responsibilities. The current system leaves critical oversight tasks under pressure, affecting aviation safety and regulatory efficiency.
