Is Flying a Safe Career Option in 2025?

Pursuing a flying career, i.e., becoming a pilot, has been an attractive and proud dream for the youth for years. Flying at high altitudes, travelling around the country and abroad, and earning a great salary can all draw anyone towards this profession. But in the India of 2025, is it a “safe” career option? Safety is not only related to accidents, but also to financial stability, career security, health, mental stress and long-term prospects. This blog will help you understand how safe a pilot career is in India and what things you can keep in mind while pursuing it.

A flying career encompasses more than just becoming a pilot; it involves many levels and specialities. Generally, it is divided into two parts, the CPL and an ATPL. India currently employs around 11,745 pilots, a large number of whom are deployed on domestic and international flights. According to the DGCA, India will need more than 30,000 pilots in the next 15 years as 1,700+ new aircraft have been ordered by airlines. That is, the more flights increase, the more intense the demand for pilots will be.

The process of becoming a pilot is clear, but it is also difficult. For this, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics are mandatory in 10+2. After this, admission is taken in a DGCA-approved flight training school. There are many prestigious institutes in India, like Flapone Aviation. The training includes 250 hours of flying, theory classes, medical examination and nuances of aviation. The entire process costs between 50 lakh and 1 crore.

After completing the training, the pilot is awarded a CPL, after which he/she has to apply for a job in an airline. Some airlines, such as IndiGo and Air India, also operate their cadet pilot schemes, offering selected candidates a job guarantee along with training. However, the selection process in these schemes is very competitive.

The salary of a pilot depends on their rank, experience and the aircraft they fly. A fresher first officer earns 1.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh per month, while a senior first officer earns 3 lakh to 5 lakh per month. A captain's salary can range from 5 lakh to 9 lakh per month, and if one is on wide-body international flights, one can earn more than 12 lakh. Some experienced international captains also earn 1 crore to 3 crore annually.

Additionally, pilots also get facilities like flying allowance, layover pay, free air travel, health insurance, pension, and gratuity. These benefits may vary in companies like Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Akasa Air, but overall, this career can prove to be financially beneficial.

The civil aviation sector in India is expanding rapidly. Due to the UDAN scheme and the development of new airports, India nearly has more than 200 operational airports in 2025. Indian airlines have ordered more than 1,700 new aircraft, which will require new pilots to operate. IndiGo recently said it will need 11,000+ pilots in the next 10 years.

This sector is even more attractive for women. India has the highest number of women pilots globally (15%). Apart from this, the combination of global working exposure, a high-profile lifestyle, and a respectable profession makes it a special one.

Every career has two aspects, and flying is no exception. The biggest challenge in this profession is the high training cost and uncertainty in getting a job. Many times, people become pilots by spending 50–60 lakh, but they do not get a job immediately. The choice of airlines is limited, and sometimes placement takes a long time; as a result, mental and financial stress increase.

The second big challenge is fatigue and physical pressure. Pilots have to fly at irregular times – sometimes at night, sometimes during the day. This affects the sleep cycle and has a deep impact on the body. DGCA has implemented new "Fatigue Risk Management" guidelines in 2024, but not all airlines follow them completely.

In addition, there is no room for error in this profession. Extreme stress and caution are required, as a small mistake can put the lives of hundreds of people at risk. This is why becoming a pilot requires not only skills but also a strong mindset and stability.

There were seven fatal airline accidents in 2024, resulting in 244 deaths, compared to just one such accident with 72 deaths in 2023.

The five-year average fatality risk remains as low as 0.10 per million sectors, which means that as far as numbers are concerned, a person should fly daily for more than 15,000 years to experience a fatal accident.

Commercial aviation still ranks right up there as the safest form of transportation, with accident rates steadily declining over decades.  Although private pilots experience a higher risk than commercial airline pilots, this is largely due to the less stringent regulations governing private pilots.

How does flying stand up against other ways of transportation? Let’s see. While we every so often feel safest in cars, the statistics tell a different story. The illusion of control we feel behind the wheel doesn’t equate to actual safety.

Transport      Approximate Fatalities

Airplane        1 in 11 billion          

Train             1 in 50,000

Car                 1 in 5000      

The difference in fatalities in travelling by air as compared to other modes is colossal. Travelling by air is far safer than almost any other form of transport.

It is very important to pay attention to several key factors before adopting this career. First of all, choose the training institute carefully. Choose institutes recognized by DGCA which have a good placement record. If possible, apply to the cadet scheme of airlines so that there is a high chance of getting a job after training.

Secondly, make a financial plan. If you are taking training on a loan, be clear about EMI, job tenure, and backup options.

Thirdly, maintain health and mental strength. This profession is as glamorous as it is demanding. Lack of sleep, jet lag, and punctuality are common aspects of this field. Proper diet, exercise, and mental stability are the backbone of this career.

If you have strategic planning, mental preparation, physical ability and financial understanding, flying is a safe career in India in 2025. With India's aviation industry growing rapidly, the demand for pilots is also increasing. The field has high salaries, global exposure and social prestige.

However, if you are one of those who want quick results or don’t have financial security, a career as a pilot is not a good fit. If you understand the challenges of this field, are ready for a long-term struggle and move ahead with a sustainable plan, you can become a successful pilot.

Becoming a pilot is an excellent but complex career option. It can take you to the heights of the sky, but for that, solid preparation on the ground is necessary. For this purpose, enrolling in a flight training institute is necessary. Looking to find a good flight training institute? Look no further than Flapone Aviation. We will let you take all the aspects of piloting into your stride; whether theoretical or practical, you will learn them all with us. The fees charged for our courses are rather economical, considering the quality of instruction that is offered. So, come to us and start a flying career if you want to take it to the next level.