The Civil Aviation Ministry has granted approval to two new airlines—Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, which are slated to begin operations next year. Both carriers received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the ministry on Wednesday, according to PTI. Additionally, Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, which has already secured its NOC, is expected to commence flight operations in 2026.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu took to X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Over the last one week, pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies- Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress. While Shankh Air has already got the NOC from the Ministry, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs this week.”
According to a PTI report, India currently has nine active domestic airlines, with the regional carrier Fly Big halting its scheduled flights in October. This development occurs as the ministry aims to boost the number of airline operators in the nation, recognized as one of the fastest-growing domestic civil aviation markets globally. Presently, IndiGo and the Air India Group, which includes Air India and Air India Express, collectively account for more than 90 percent of the domestic civil aviation market share.
The introduction of both new airlines will play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity. Al Hind Air, backed by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, is set to launch as a regional commuter airline. As per the airline's website, it will commence operations using a fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft, initially concentrating on efficient domestic air travel. Eventually, the airline aims to extend its services to international routes.
According to PTI, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have been granted their NOCs despite worries about a potential duopoly in India's domestic airline sector. These concerns arise following significant operational disruptions experienced by IndiGo, the nation's leading airline, which holds over 65 percent of the market share.
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu highlighted on X, “It has been the ministry's endeavor to encourage more airlines in Indian Aviation, which is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, thanks to the policies of the government under Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji.” He further noted that initiatives like UDAN have enabled smaller carriers, including Star Air, India One Air, and Fly91, to "play an important role in regional connectivity within the country."