IndiGo crosses 1,000 women pilots, sets industry benchmark

IndiGo has crossed a milestone of employing more than 1,000 women pilots, becoming the first airline in India to reach this mark. Women now account for 17.5% of the airline’s pilot workforce, a figure significantly higher than the global aviation average.
The achievement reflects the airline’s broader efforts to increase gender diversity across its workforce. According to company data, women represent nearly half of IndiGo’s total employees and hold positions across multiple operational and leadership roles.
In airport operations, women make up about 30% of the workforce, while 25% of roles in the operations control centre are held by women. Around 23% of leadership positions within the company are also occupied by female professionals.
The airline highlighted the milestone around International Women’s Day, emphasising its initiatives aimed at improving gender representation in aviation.
Sukhjit Singh Pasricha, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at IndiGo, said the milestone reflects the organisation’s efforts to build an inclusive workplace and create equal opportunities for women in aviation.
IndiGo has also introduced programs designed to support women returning to work after career breaks. The “Take-Off 2.0” initiative is intended to help women professionals re-enter the aviation industry, while the “6E Girl Power Community” provides a platform for employees to connect, share experiences and support each other.
Beyond the cockpit, women are increasingly represented in other departments. More than 20% of the finance team, around 15% of digital roles, and over 30% of operations positions are held by women employees.
The airline states that its focus on flexibility, professional development, and workforce diversity forms part of a long-term strategy to strengthen gender representation across the organisation.
Industry observers note that the growth in women pilots at IndiGo highlights a broader shift in India’s aviation sector, where airlines are gradually expanding opportunities for women in technical and leadership roles.

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