After IndiGo crisis, government clears three new airlines

Boosting capacity to strengthen regional air connectivity

Days after Indian civil aviation sector was grounded, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to three new carriers, Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.

In a significant move to boost the capacity of Indian aviation sector and to increase competition, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has approved three new airlines Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Civil Aviation says that the decision reflects the government’s focus on expanding regional connectivity, increasing domestic flying options and supporting smaller operators, particularly on routes linking Tier II and Tier III cities across the country.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the approvals in a post on X, a social media platform, stating that encouraging more airline operators is part of the ministry’s broader effort to support one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

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The decision comes as the government continues to rely on schemes such as UDAN to connect smaller cities and make flying more accessible.

The statement adds that Shankh Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, plans to operate as a full-service airline. According to information available on its website, the airline intends to operate from the upcoming Noida International Airport and connect cities such as Lucknow, Varanasi and Gorakhpur, along with metro routes including Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.

It adds that the airline’s launch timeline is linked to the operationalisation of the Noida airport, which is yet to be inaugurated.

It further adds that Kerala-based Al Hind Air, backed by the AlHind Group, is set to enter the market as a regional commuter airline. The airline plans to begin operations with a fleet of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, focussing on domestic routes.

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Company information indicates that international expansion is also being considered to meet growing demand. The parent group operates travel and tour management businesses across several countries in West Asia and South Asia.
FlyExpress, headquartered in Telangana, is in the pre-operational stage and is awaiting further regulatory clearances.
Media reports say that the airline will focus on connecting Tier III and Tier III cities, in line with government-backed regional aviation initiatives. The company has not yet disclosed operational details, with its website indicating an upcoming launch.

It adds that with the entry of these three carriers, the aviation ministry aims to deepen regional air connectivity and expand capacity in India’s domestic aviation market.