Two New Airlines Get Green Signal for 2026 Takeoff
Civil Aviation Ministry clears Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, aims to boost regional connectivity
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 25th Dec: India’s aviation sector is set for fresh expansion after the Civil Aviation Ministry granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airlines—Al Hind Air and FlyExpress—clearing the way for their commercial launch in 2026, according to a PTI report.
The approvals were granted after detailed scrutiny under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) norms, which evaluate financial strength, operational preparedness and safety compliance.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu said the government is actively encouraging competition in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets. As per International Air Transport Association (IATA) projections, India is expected to become the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2030 with over 300 million passengers annually.
Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, which had earlier secured its NOC, is also scheduled to commence operations in 2026, focusing on underserved routes in northern India.
The move comes at a time when the domestic market is largely dominated by IndiGo, Air India and SpiceJet, with IndiGo holding more than 60 per cent market share. India recorded 153 million domestic passengers in FY24, a 15 per cent year-on-year rise, driven by growing urbanisation and post-pandemic travel demand.
Al Hind Air, promoted by Kerala-based Alhind Group, will operate as a regional commuter airline with Kochi International Airport as its hub. It plans to deploy ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft for short-haul operations, initially covering routes such as Kochi–Bengaluru, Kochi–Mumbai and feeder services within Kerala, with plans to expand later.
FlyExpress is expected to focus on low-cost regional services, leveraging India’s expanding airport network, while Shankh Air will operate from Lucknow, targeting pilgrimage and business corridors in Uttar Pradesh.
The entry of new airlines is expected to strengthen UDAN regional routes, enhance connectivity to tier-2 and tier-3 cities, increase capacity and potentially lower fares, while also supporting job creation and infrastructure development under India’s long-term growth vision.
