A recent report by Niti Aayog has revealed that approximately 133 aircraft, representing 16 percent of India’s fleet, are currently grounded. This alarming statistic underscores significant challenges within the Indian aviation sector, particularly in the areas of aircraft maintenance and operational efficiency. The report highlights the stark contrast between maintenance practices in India and those in more developed aviation markets, such as Dubai, where rigorous checks and standards are more consistently applied.
Maintenance Practices: A Comparative Analysis
A flight technician who has worked in both India and Dubai provided insight into the maintenance discrepancies between the two countries. He noted that in India, ground staff typically conduct only one round of checks at the base, whereas in Dubai, three to four rounds of checks are standard for each aircraft. This difference in maintenance rigor raises concerns about the safety and reliability of Indian carriers, especially given the technician’s assertion that there is no guarantee engineers will show up for these critical checks in India.
The technician’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among aviation professionals regarding the working conditions in India. Many technicians face long hours—up to 12 hours a day—combined with low pay and inadequate upkeep of aircraft. This has led some skilled workers to seek opportunities abroad, where they perceive better working conditions and more stringent safety protocols.
Impact on Indian Airlines
The grounding of aircraft has had a significant impact on various Indian airlines. Go Airlines, for instance, has been particularly hard hit, with nearly half of its fleet grounded in FY2024 due to faulty engines. IndiGo, one of India’s largest carriers, reported having around 60 to 70 aircraft grounded as of January 30, 2025. These operational challenges not only affect the airlines’ profitability but also raise concerns about passenger safety and service reliability.
The Niti Aayog report attributes some of these issues to supply chain disruptions and engine failures, which hamper the growth of India’s aviation sector. Despite these setbacks, there is a positive outlook for the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry in India. The country is projected to become the third-largest buyer of commercial planes globally, following the United States and China, and aims to establish itself as a global hub for MRO services.
Future Prospects for the MRO Industry
India’s government is actively working to bolster the domestic MRO industry, with a goal of servicing 90 percent of all Indian MRO requirements by 2040. The Niti Aayog projects that the Indian MRO market will grow from $1.7 billion in 2021 to $4 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 percent. This growth is essential not only for enhancing the safety and reliability of Indian airlines but also for reducing dependence on foreign MRO providers.
The report outlines the four main segments of MRO: line maintenance, component maintenance, airframe heavy maintenance and modification, and engine maintenance. Indian airlines currently allocate 12-15 percent of their revenue to aircraft maintenance, often outsourcing engine and heavy maintenance work to third-party vendors. This reliance on external providers can complicate maintenance processes and contribute to the challenges faced by Indian carriers.
Conclusion
The grounding of 133 aircraft in India highlights critical issues within the aviation sector, particularly concerning maintenance practices and operational efficiency. The stark contrast between Indian and international standards raises questions about safety and reliability, prompting skilled technicians to seek better opportunities abroad. However, the Indian government’s commitment to developing a robust domestic MRO industry presents a promising avenue for improvement. By investing in maintenance capabilities and enhancing safety protocols, India can work towards establishing itself as a leader in the global aviation market, ultimately benefiting both airlines and passengers alike.