India’s Leading Commercial Pilots: Stories of Expertise, Bravery, and Legacy
The commercial aviation sector in India has evolved rapidly over the past few decades, thanks in no small part to a league of exceptional pilots. These highly trained individuals not only master the complexities of modern aircraft but also uphold the highest standards of safety, leadership, and professionalism. Among these aviators are names that have become symbols of precision and dedication. This article presents a detailed overview of five top commercial pilots in India, including their careers, flying experiences, notable incidents, and contributions to the aviation industry. The profiles are reflective of the best that Indian civil aviation has to offer.
1. Captain Sumeet Sabharwal – A Veteran Lost Too Soon
Captain Sumeet Sabharwal was one of Air India’s most experienced and respected pilots. With over 8,200 flying hours, his command over modern aircraft, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, was well acknowledged in the aviation industry. He dedicated several years to commercial aviation, with a strong focus on both domestic and international operations. A large part of his career involved training co-pilots and mentoring younger flight crew members, which cemented his legacy not just as a pilot but as a leader within the airline.
Tragically, Captain Sabharwal lost his life in the Air India Flight AI-171 crash in June 2025. The Boeing 787 aircraft, which took off from Ahmedabad, experienced technical failure shortly after takeoff. Captain Sabharwal made a distress call and attempted emergency protocols, but the aircraft went down, killing all 241 people on board. It was a devastating blow to the Indian aviation community.
Despite the tragic end, Captain Sabharwal’s career is remembered for the calm, calculated manner in which he operated aircraft and the high standards he set. Pilots who flew with him often described him as composed, exceptionally knowledgeable, and methodical under pressure. His career was a testament to dedication and discipline in the skies, and his legacy continues to inspire pilots across the country.
2. Captain Zoya Agarwal – A Sky Pioneer and Role Model for Women
Captain Zoya Agarwal stands out not only for her flying skills but also for breaking gender barriers in Indian aviation. She became internationally recognized when she captained Air India’s historic all-woman crew flight from San Francisco to Bengaluru in 2021. This route was one of the longest in the world, and the flight was celebrated globally as a milestone for women in aviation.
Captain Agarwal started her journey with Air India in 2006 and quickly rose through the ranks. By 2013, she became the youngest female pilot to command a Boeing 777 aircraft. Known for her meticulous approach to flight operations, she gained trust from her colleagues and airline leadership alike. She has over 10,000 flying hours, most of them logged on wide-body aircraft across long-haul international routes.
In addition to her flying credentials, Captain Zoya has been an advocate for gender equality and has actively participated in campaigns to encourage more women to join the aviation sector. She was recognized at major aviation events globally and was even commemorated at the aviation museum in San Francisco for her historic achievements. Her story is one of determination, pioneering spirit, and the bold redefinition of gender roles in Indian commercial aviation.
3. Captain Anny Divya – The World’s Youngest Boeing 777 Commander
Captain Anny Divya’s journey to becoming the youngest woman in the world to command a Boeing 777 is nothing short of extraordinary. Born in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, she grew up with a dream of flying despite societal pressures and limited access to aviation resources. She joined the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics and started flying with Air India at the age of 19. By 30, she had already earned her captaincy on the Boeing 777.
Her flying experience spans thousands of hours across major international routes, making her one of the youngest yet most competent pilots in wide-body aircraft operations. Captain Divya trained in Europe and the United States, completing her simulator and in-flight training in highly competitive environments.
Her achievement is not merely symbolic. It represents a growing shift in Indian aviation where young, talented professionals are breaking traditional boundaries. She has become a motivational figure, especially among girls from smaller cities and rural backgrounds, encouraging them to aim for careers in aviation. Her career continues to progress as she mentors aspiring pilots and remains a key figure in commercial aviation training programs.
4. Captain Nivedita Bhasin – A Veteran With a Historic Career
Captain Nivedita Bhasin is one of the earliest and most accomplished female pilots in Indian civil aviation history. She became a commander at the age of 26 in the late 1980s, making her the youngest woman in the world at the time to captain a commercial jet. Her career began with Indian Airlines, and over the decades, she operated a variety of aircraft including the Boeing 737, Airbus A300, and Boeing 787.
With over three decades of flying experience and several thousand hours logged, Captain Bhasin witnessed the transformation of Indian aviation from a government-controlled environment to a liberalized, competitive market. She has operated on both domestic and international routes, including high-altitude and night operations.
Captain Bhasin played a crucial role in pilot training and safety assessments. She was one of the first women to become a check-pilot, responsible for assessing other pilots’ proficiency. Though she has not survived any aviation crashes, she has managed numerous in-flight emergencies over her career with skill and composure. Her contributions extend beyond flying to strategic input in airline policy and safety reforms.
5. Captain Devi Sharan – A Commander During Crisis
Captain Devi Sharan is remembered for his extraordinary leadership during one of the most challenging events in Indian aviation history: the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 in December 1999. The flight, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was hijacked and forced to land in multiple countries before ending in Kandahar, Afghanistan.
Captain Sharan, who was commanding the aircraft at the time, showed exceptional presence of mind and calm under pressure. During the eight-day ordeal, he and his crew managed to keep the passengers calm and provided crucial intelligence to Indian authorities that aided negotiations. His ability to navigate such a sensitive crisis without escalating the situation was widely praised.
Outside this high-profile incident, Captain Sharan had a distinguished flying career with thousands of hours on Airbus and Boeing aircraft. His handling of the hijacking scenario and later training contributions helped redefine crisis management and emergency protocols for Indian airlines. He retired with distinction and is often called upon for speaking engagements on aviation safety and resilience.
Conclusion
India’s commercial aviation landscape owes much of its growth and safety record to the competence and leadership of its pilots. Figures like Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, Captain Zoya Agarwal, Captain Anny Divya, Captain Nivedita Bhasin, and Captain Devi Sharan have shaped the country’s aviation narrative through their exceptional skill, professionalism, and resilience. Whether managing a crisis, making history, or mentoring future aviators, these pilots symbolize the strength and promise of Indian civil aviation.
Their stories not only highlight technical expertise and survival under pressure but also reflect broader values such as equality, courage, and mentorship. As India continues to expand its aviation footprint, the legacies of these pilots will remain integral to both operational excellence and inspirational storytelling.
