Uttar Pradesh’s Shankh Air is poised to begin its flight operations in the first quarter of 2026, having secured a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Union civil aviation ministry. This move coincides with the approval received by two other airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, which recently acquired their NOCs as well. The introduction of these new carriers is anticipated to boost competition in India’s fast-growing domestic aviation market.
Shankh Air’s Operational Plans
Shankh Air will be operated by Shankh Aviation, which is actively preparing its aircraft for delivery to India. The airline aims to initiate its flight services early next year and has plans to expand its fleet to somewhere between 20 and 25 aircraft within the next two to three years. Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, Chairman and Managing Director of Shankh Aviation, recently held discussions with civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu regarding the airline’s operational strategies. Vishwakarma expressed optimism about a timely launch while Naidu assured that the ministry would provide full support to expedite the necessary procedures.
New Entrants in the Aviation Market
The approvals for Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress come at a moment when the Indian aviation sector is encouraging increased participation. Presently, only nine scheduled domestic airlines are functioning in the country, a figure that has recently declined following the suspension of flights by regional carrier Fly Big. Al Hind Air is supported by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, while FlyExpress seeks to carve a niche in a market largely dominated by a few major players. Growing concerns regarding a duopoly in the sector have spurred the government to promote more airline operators.
Government Support for Aviation Growth
Civil aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed the recent approvals through social media, indicating that the ministry engaged with the teams from Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress over the past week. The government’s dedication to nurturing a competitive aviation environment is clear, especially with Indian aviation being recognized as one of the fastest-growing markets globally. Initiatives like the UDAN scheme are designed to enhance regional connectivity and have enabled smaller carriers such as Star Air, IndiaOne Air, and Fly91 to expand into underserved routes.
Current Landscape of Indian Aviation
Currently, India’s scheduled carriers include prominent players like IndiGo, Air India, and SpiceJet, among others. IndiGo and the Air India Group dominate the market, controlling over 90 percent of domestic flights, with IndiGo alone accounting for more than 65 percent. The arrival of new airlines like Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress is expected to change this dynamic, offering travelers a wider range of options and potentially more competitive pricing in the evolving landscape of Indian aviation.
Digihunt is not a financial advisor and this is not investment advice.