The Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA India)—a member associate of the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Association (IFALPA)—alleged that Air India and IndiGo have an understanding not to hire pilots from each other, saying that employment in the aviation sector should remain fair. ALPA India has raised the issue with the civil aviation ministry via a letter.

In a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu, ALPA India has expressed concerns regarding recent reports that the two airlines have agreed not to hire each other's pilots. “Such an arrangement, if true, raises serious legal and ethical questions as it restricts the fundamental right to employment and fair competition,” the letter said. ALPA India also urged the minister to ensure that employment in the aviation sector remains fair, open and in line with constitutional and legal principles.