New Airlines in India: Al Hind Air and FlyExpress Receive Nod Amid IndiGo's Dominance
Both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress are expected to focus on improving regional connectivity across the country.
New Airlines in India: Al Hind Air and FlyExpress Receive Nod Amid IndiGo’s Dominance
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has officially granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two new airline ventures, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress. It is a significant step toward broadening competition in India’s rapidly growing aviation market. Both carriers received their approvals on Wednesday.
The move comes at a time when India’s domestic aviation sector is dominated by a handful of major players. Together, IndiGo and the Air India Group, which includes Air India and Air India Express, account for more than 90 per cent of the market share.
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed on social media that the ministry met with teams from both airlines, as well as from Shankh Air, which had already received its NOC earlier. Naidu said the government is keen to encourage more operators in one of the fastest-growing domestic aviation markets in the world.
Both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress are expected to focus on improving regional connectivity across the country. Al Hind Air, promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, plans to begin operations with a fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft. The airline intends to position itself as a regional commuter service initially, with long-term ambitions to expand into international routes. Its operational hub will be developed in collaboration with Cochin International Airport Limited.
The approvals also come amid heightened scrutiny of the airline industry following major disruption caused by IndiGo’s recent mass flight cancellations, which left thousands of passengers stranded and highlighted the risks of a concentrated market, according to aviation experts.
Civil Aviation Minister Naidu highlighted that initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme have already enabled smaller carriers like Star Air, India One Air, and Fly91 to serve underserved destinations, and there is further scope for growth.
While receiving an NOC is a critical regulatory milestone, both Al Hind Air and FlyExpress must still complete additional approvals, including Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, before commencing commercial flights.
Source: Hindustan Times