What has Air India Express changed in 2026?

Airline sources told Financial Express that salaries rose by 10% to 15% on average across cadres, with a variable element linked to flying hours. Pilots are paid a minimum flying allowance of 40 hours a month even if they fly less, and they are asking for 70 hours, as at IndiGo. The airline argues that its higher base salaries keep total pay comparable with IndiGo, where the fixed base is lower.1

Which allowances are on offer?

A Boeing 737 fleet allowance of up to Rs 21 lakh goes to senior commanders and commanders and Rs 10 lakh to senior first officers, paid in three equal instalments over three years from October 2026. Industry sources also describe a narrow-body allowance within fixed pay of Rs 25,000 for P1 pilots and Rs 10,000 for P2 pilots. Business Today reports a one-time transfer allowance of Rs 10 lakh to Rs 21 lakh for Air India pilots who move across, as the airline inducts around 40 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.234

How do hours, leave and bases work?

The minimum flying allowance was 70 hours before the pandemic, fell to 20 hours and was later set at 40 hours. According to industry sources, only 40 hours of block time are guaranteed, and pilots fear that taking privilege leave lowers their variable pay. A proposed leave structure from 1 April 2027 has 24 days of privilege leave, 12 days of sick leave and six days of casual leave. Pilots who complete 2.5 years may choose their base, although the airline runs around eight bases.13

Why is Air India Express the route to command?

Since August 2026, Air India Express has been the main pathway to a first command in the Air India group, after which pilots can move to Air India for widebody flying under a common seniority framework. Better pay at the low-cost arm is also meant to ease a pilot shortage concentrated on its Boeing 737 fleet.56