This article summarizes reporting by Hindustan Times.

India Grants Approval to Two New Airlines: Al Hind Air and FlyExpress

The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airline startups, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, according to reporting by the Hindustan Times. The approvals, issued in late December 2025, mark a significant step in the government’s effort to diversify the country’s aviation sector, which is currently dominated by a few major players.

These new entrants are expected to commence operations in 2026, joining Shankh Air, another startup carrier that received its initial approvals earlier in the year. As noted in the Hindustan Times report, the entry of these carriers comes at a time when the market is heavily consolidated, with IndiGo and the Air India Group controlling the vast majority of domestic traffic.

Profiles of the New Entrants

Based on the regulatory filings and industry profiles associated with the approvals, the two new airlines are adopting distinct strategies focused on regional connectivity rather than immediately challenging legacy carriers on trunk routes.

Al Hind Air

Al Hind Air is backed by the Alhind Group, a Kerala-based travel and tourism conglomerate with a reported turnover exceeding ₹20,000 crore. According to industry data, the airline will be based at Cochin International Airport (COK) and aims to serve as a regional commuter carrier.

The airline’s initial fleet strategy reportedly involves inducting 2–3 ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. This choice of aircraft suggests a focus on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in South India, connecting Kochi with destinations such as Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Kozhikode, and Hubballi. While the carrier plans to eventually expand into international operations with narrow-body Airbus jets, its immediate focus remains on regional connectivity.

FlyExpress

The second carrier to receive an NOC, FlyExpress, is backed by Fly Express International Courier Cargo Service. Based in Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, the airline’s background in logistics suggests a potential hybrid business model that may combine passenger services with cargo operations.

Like Al Hind Air, FlyExpress is expected to launch in 2026. While specific fleet details remain scarce, the carrier is likely to utilize smaller regional aircraft suited for short-haul routes in South-Central India.

Shankh Air and the 2026 Landscape

In addition to the two newly approved carriers, Shankh Air is preparing for a Q1 2026 launch. Unlike its regional counterparts, Shankh Air is positioning itself as a Full-Service Carrier (FSC). It will be the first scheduled airline based in Uttar Pradesh, with hubs planned for the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar) and Lucknow.

According to available fleet data, Shankh Air plans to operate Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, offering a two-class configuration. The airline aims to scale rapidly, targeting a fleet of 20–25 aircraft within three years to serve high-demand routes across North India.

AirPro News Analysis: Breaking the Duopoly

The approval of these three carriers highlights a strategic shift in Indian aviation. Currently, the market is characterized by a “duopoly” where IndiGo and Air India Group hold over 90% of the market share. Recent operational challenges faced by major incumbents have underscored the need for greater market stability and consumer choice.

We observe that the government is actively encouraging these new entrants through the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which subsidizes flights to unserved airports. By establishing bases in regional hubs like Kochi, Hyderabad, and Noida, rather than the saturated Delhi and Mumbai airports, these startups are lowering their entry barriers and aligning with national connectivity goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will Al Hind Air and FlyExpress start flying?
Both airlines have received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs) as of December 2025 and are expected to commence flight operations in 2026 after securing their Air Operator Certificates (AOC).

What aircraft will Al Hind Air use?
Al Hind Air plans to launch with ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, focusing on regional routes in South India.

Is Shankh Air a budget airline?
No. Shankh Air is positioning itself as a Full-Service Carrier (FSC) with Business and Economy classes, distinguishing it from the low-cost models of Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.

Sources

• Hindustan Times