A new era of digital efficiency dawned in Indian aviation with the DGCA’s launch of Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Airline Transport Pilot Licenses (ATPL). The ceremony at DGCA’s New Delhi headquarters on Wednesday signals accelerated modernization in pilot licensing.
Officials described the EPL as a robust, ICAO-compliant digital document fortified against forgery with advanced security protocols. It promises real-time verification and eliminates paperwork hassles, accessible directly via the user-friendly eGCA app.
Building on the February 2025 debut of EPL for CPL and FRTOL, this ATPL expansion aims to boost operational transparency and speed up credential management for commercial aviation professionals.
Meanwhile, DGCA’s regulatory hammer fell hard on IndiGo last month over December 2025 disruptions. The airline’s cancellation of 2,507 flights and delays to 1,852 between December 3-5 left more than 300,000 travelers in limbo, sparking widespread outrage.
Breaking down the Rs 222 million penalty: Rs 18 million lump sum for rule breaches, and Rs 30 million daily fines for 68 days of ignoring updated flight duty limits, amounting to Rs 204 million extra. Such measures highlight DGCA’s focus on accountability as India’s skies get busier.