Centre okays three new airlines amid Indigo chaos: Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, FlyExpress
PTC News Desk: India’s aviation sector could soon offer passengers more options, as the government has allowed three new airlines to begin preparations for operations. Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the civil aviation ministry, a move aimed at reducing the industry’s heavy reliance on a small number of carriers, especially after recent disruptions faced by IndiGo.
These clearances come at a time when domestic air travel in India is expanding rapidly, but competition remains limited. The entry of these new airlines is expected to gradually increase choices for travellers in a market currently dominated by a few major players.
At present, India has only nine scheduled domestic airlines. The number dropped further in October after regional carrier Fly Big suspended scheduled operations, raising concerns about the sector’s lack of depth even as passenger traffic continues to grow year after year.
IndiGo and the Air India Group — which includes Air India and Air India Express — together control over 90% of the domestic market, with IndiGo alone accounting for more than 65%.
New entrants in focus
Al Hind Air is being promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, which already operates in the travel and allied services space. FlyExpress is another proposed airline looking to enter the domestic market amid strong demand but limited competition. Shankh Air, which has already secured its NOC, is expected to launch operations in 2026. All three airlines will still need to complete multiple regulatory and operational formalities before starting commercial flights.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed the approvals in a post on X on Tuesday, stating that the ministry had met representatives of all three airlines. While Shankh Air had received its clearance earlier, the NOCs for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress were granted this week.
The minister added that encouraging more airlines has long been a priority for the government, especially given the fast growth of India’s aviation sector. He also pointed to initiatives like the UDAN scheme, which aim to improve air connectivity to smaller cities and towns.
- With inputs from agencies
