India is raising concerns to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) about the recruitment of experienced pilots and engineers by overseas airlines, hindering India's own aviation industry. In a recent working paper submitted ahead of the ICAO’s Assembly 42nd Session in Montreal, Canada, India highlighted the negative impact of practices by contracting states on its ability to grow its international civil aviation sector.

According to the working paper dated August 1, 2025, Indian carriers are facing challenges as airlines from other contracting states are recruiting skilled personnel such as pilots, engineers, technicians, and cabin crew from Indian airlines. This, in turn, is impeding the planned and orderly growth of India's aviation sector, preventing the deployment of additional aircraft and hindering operational improvements.

India emphasized the significant impact on specialized roles like type-rated pilots, as the process of training replacements can be time-consuming and costly. The country alleges that this recruitment practice places Indian carriers at a competitive disadvantage, as they bear the training costs while facing operational disruptions.

To address these issues, India is advocating for a universal Code of Conduct on staff movement among ICAO member states to safeguard the interests of Indian carriers. The country highlighted the remarkable growth in its domestic aviation market, with passenger numbers soaring from 61 million to 166 million in just over a decade. Leading Indian carriers like IndiGo are expanding their fleets with substantial aircraft orders from Boeing and Airbus to enhance their destination network.

The ICAO, a United Nations agency facilitating cooperation among 193 countries, aims to find mutually beneficial solutions for airspace management. The upcoming Assembly 42nd Session scheduled in Montreal from September 23 to October 3, 2025, will address these concerns and work towards a more equitable framework for international aviation practices.