India’s aviation sector is set for a fresh wave of expansion and competition with the entry of new carriers after years of a market dominated by just a few players. Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu has confirmed that two new airline ventures, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, have received no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Union civil aviation ministry to proceed toward launch, while Shankh Air, a carrier based in Uttar Pradesh, already holds its NOC and is expected to begin operations in early 2026. These developments mark a significant shift in India’s fast-growing domestic aviation market, which has been heavily dominated by IndiGo and the Air India Group, and signal a move toward greater choice for passengers and more robust competition.
Airlines: New Players Come In
Al Hind Air and FlyExpress are the latest entrants to receive clearances, allowing them to move forward with aviation regulatory approvals, aircraft acquisition and operational planning. Shankh Air, which secured its NOC earlier, is now preparing to scale up its fleet and finalise preparations for a planned launch in 2026. The entry of these three carriers comes as part of broader efforts by the government to encourage more participation in the aviation sector and widen access to air travel for millions of travellers across the country.
Domestic Aviation Market in India
India’s domestic aviation market has long been characterised by a concentration of market share, with IndiGo alone commanding more than 65 per cent of domestic traffic and the combined Air India Group covering a large additional share of flights. This dominance has drawn attention in recent months, especially following major operational disruptions at IndiGo that underscored the risks of relying on few carriers for nationwide connectivity. The approval of new airlines is a move toward diversifying market participation and potentially reducing such vulnerabilities.
For passengers, increased competition could bring tangible benefits. New airlines typically lead to more choices in terms of routes, pricing, flight frequency and service models. While established carriers like IndiGo and Air India continue to expand both domestic and international networks, newcomers may focus on regional connectivity, underserved routes and innovative service offerings that cater to emerging travel demand patterns. This could lead to more competitive fares, expanded connectivity for smaller cities and a broader range of options for frequent flyers and occasional travellers alike.
Why Airline in India Remains A Challenge
However, launching and sustaining an airline in India remains a complex challenge. The aviation industry requires significant capital investment, efficient operations, access to aircraft, trained crew and robust logistics in order to thrive. Several airlines in the past, including well-known names like Jet Airways and Go First, struggled financially and were forced to cease operations in the face of high costs and competitive pressure. Therefore, the success of Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress will depend on disciplined growth strategies, sound financial planning and the ability to differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
UDAN Scheme
The government’s push for broader competition also aligns with initiatives like the UDAN scheme, which has sought to improve air connectivity to smaller cities and towns that were previously underserved. If new carriers can leverage these opportunities while maintaining operational stability, the aviation landscape in India could become significantly more diverse by 2026 and beyond.
As these airlines prepare for take-off, India’s skies are likely to see more movement, more competition and greater choice a development that could reshape domestic travel and benefit millions of flyers across the country.