New airlines Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air cleared, set to boost competition and regional courier capacity.
India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, while confirming that Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air is prepared for takeoff in 2026. This move seeks to introduce competition into a domestic market where IndiGo and Air India Group currently maintain a combined share of over 90 percent
The approvals follow government efforts to broaden the aviation sector after the number of active domestic carriers declined in October 2025.
- Promoters: Al Hind Air is backed by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, while Shankh Air has already secured its necessary clearances to begin commercial flights.
- Regional connectivity: Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu stated that encouraging new entrants remains a core policy to support rapid industry growth.
- UDAN scheme: The ministry highlighted the role of smaller carriers in linking underserved locations to the national network, providing scope for further expansion.
The push for new players gained momentum following significant operational disruptions earlier in December 2025, which exposed the risks of heavy reliance on a single dominant carrier. While the arrival of these airlines signals growth, the sector remains volatile, as evidenced by the previous exits of Jet Airways and Go First due to financial and operational hurdles.
SOURCE – ET
