India’s domestic aviation sector is poised for a significant transformation as the civil aviation regulator has granted approval for three new airlines, marking a major push to expand competition and connectivity across the country’s internal air travel network. The approved carriers—Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress—are expected to begin operations between late 2025 and early 2026, offering passengers more choices and challenging the long-standing dominance of a few large carriers in the market.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the highly concentrated nature of India’s aviation industry, which has long been dominated by major players such as IndiGo and the Air India Group. These carriers currently account for a significant portion of domestic flight operations, leaving limited options for travellers and exposing the industry to operational risks during peak demand periods. The introduction of new airlines aims to address these vulnerabilities and foster greater resilience in the sector.
Shankh Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, has already received its No Objection Certificate (NOC) and is preparing to launch flights in the first quarter of 2026, with a focus on connecting Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to major metropolitan hubs. Drawn from regional bases like Lucknow, Varanasi and Gorakhpur, Shankh Air plans to operate as a full-service carrier, offering both competitive fares and enhanced regional access.
Al Hind Air, promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, also secured regulatory clearance and is slated to begin operations soon. It will initially serve domestic routes, with plans to expand into international markets, particularly focusing on connections between India and the United Arab Emirates to cater to the large expatriate community.
FlyExpress, backed by a Telangana-based logistics group, received its approval in December 2025 and is expected to enhance connectivity for smaller cities and regional destinations under India’s ongoing efforts to democratise air travel.
Industry analysts believe that the entry of these new carriers will not only provide more route options and competitive pricing for flyers but also stimulate innovation and service quality across the aviation sector. With domestic passenger traffic continuing to rebound strongly post-pandemic, these new airlines are seen as a key strategic step toward making air travel more accessible, affordable and resilient for millions of Indians.
