Image: Shankh Air
New Delhi, India: New Delhi, India: New Delhi, India: New Delhi, India: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two proposed airline operators Al Hind Air & FlyExpress in a strategic move aimed at expanding competition in India’s domestic aviation market following recent operational turmoil involving market-leader IndiGo.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu said in a social media post that the ministry has met with representatives from three emerging carriers Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress over the past week as part of efforts to encourage new entrants to the sector. While Shankh Air had already received its regulatory clearance earlier, both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress secured their NOCs this week.
Al Hind Air is backed by Kerala’s Alhind Group, and FlyExpress is a Hyderabad-based enterprise traditionally focused on courier and cargo operations.
Shankh Air’s proposed business plan includes connecting major cities within Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra and Gorakhpur, with affordable air connectivity options.
The government’s approvals come amid heightened scrutiny of India’s aviation market structure. Earlier this month, IndiGo’s failure to fully adapt to new crew rostering regulations triggered the cancellation of thousands of flights, stranding thousands of passengers.
Industry analysts and officials have called for greater competition to prevent future systemic shocks. The Civil Aviation Ministry has highlighted existing schemes such as UDAN as instrumental in enabling smaller regional players including Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 to expand connectivity, while stressing there is substantial scope for further growth in what is one of the world’s
fastest-growing aviation markets.
In the aftermath of IndiGo’s operational disruption, regulators have initiated multiple reviews. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has taken cognisance of complaints alleging antitrust violations by the airline, which holds a dominant market share.
The initial assessment could lead to a detailed investigation if evidence of market abuse is found.
IndiGo’s operations, which stabilised in mid-December with restoration to roughly 2,200 daily flights, are also under regulatory examination.
Authorities have imposed temporary fare caps and ordered expedited refunds for affected
passengers.
While the approvals for Al Hind Air and FlyExpress signal a policy pivot towards
diversification, aviation experts caution that long-term viability for new carriers
hinges on tackling structural challenges such as high operating costs, fuel taxation,
and aircraft acquisition bottlenecks.
The government’s move to issue NOCs to new airlines reflects a broader strategy to build resilience in India’s air transport sector by reducing over-dependence on a small number of carriers and enhancing choices for millions of domestic flyers.Aviation Today News Desk
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