India has the highest number of female pilots in the world. They comprise 12.4% of pilots in major airlines. No other country has ever surpassed the mark of 10%. India has more than 1,200 female pilots.

That’s an excellent question, but it’s important to note that there isn’t a single, universally agreed-upon “official” ranking that is constantly updated. The data is often compiled by aviation organizations, researchers, and news outlets, and it can vary depending on whether you look at absolute numbers or percentage of total pilots.

However, based on recent and reliable reports (from sources like ICAO, IATA, and major news outlets), the consistent leader in both categories is:

India

Why India is the Leader:

1. Highest Percentage: India has the highest percentage of women pilots in the world for commercial airlines. As of 2023-2024, approximately 12-15% of all pilots in India are women. This is significantly higher than the global average, which is around 5-6%.
2. Sheer Numbers: In absolute numbers, India also has one of the largest cohorts of female pilots. For example, Air India alone has over 400 female pilots, and IndiGo, the world’s largest airline by market cap in 2024, has over 900 female pilots.
3. Cultural Shift & Demand: A major driver has been the rapid expansion of the Indian aviation market, creating huge demand for pilots. Concurrently, societal attitudes have shifted, with families increasingly supporting daughters in pursuing this high-profile, well-respected career. Several prominent women pilots have become national role models.
4. Airline Initiatives: Indian airlines have been proactive in recruiting and promoting female pilots, sometimes offering supportive policies.

Other Notable Countries:

While India leads, other countries also have strong representation:

• Ireland: Frequently ranks very high