In the wake of recent controversy in the aviation sector involving a leading private carrier, concerns over shrinking competition in India’s skies have come into sharp focus. The Centre, wary of an emerging
monopoly, has moved to widen the field. Two new airlines have recently been granted No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) by the government, while another secured approval last year. Together, these clearances pave the way for three new entrants like Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, each positioning itself with a distinct business model.
Their arrival signals more than just new aircraft entering service. The profiles of the promoters behind these ventures, and the strategies they are pursuing, indicate attempts to plug specific gaps in the market, from regional connectivity to cargo logistics and stable fares for middle-class travellers.
Shankh Air targets the mass domestic flier
Shankh Air plans to position itself as a domestic airline for middle-income passengers and travellers from smaller towns. The proposed model relies on minimal dynamic pricing, with the company stating that fares will be kept within a predictable band, even during peak seasons and festivals.
The carrier intends to begin operations with Airbus A320 aircraft, starting with three planes in the first phase and gradually scaling up. Lucknow is expected to serve as its base, with an initial focus on linking cities across Uttar Pradesh to major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Jewar Airport is also being considered as a future strategic hub.
The airline is being promoted by Kanpur-based businessman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, who has interests in trading, mining, logistics and construction. His entry into aviation is driven by the belief that consistent, affordable fares could unlock rapid growth among first-time flyers from smaller cities.
Al Hind Air banks on regional connectivity
Kerala-based Al Hind Air is positioning itself as a regional commuter airline. Its strategy centres on operating turboprop aircraft, including the ATR 72-600, on short-haul routes and airports with shorter runways, a model considered more cost-efficient for regional travel.
Kochi International Airport is expected to be the airline’s main hub. The initial focus will be on connecting tier-2 and tier-3 cities across Kerala and southern India. The airline is also exploring the possibility of future international services, particularly to Gulf destinations that have strong diaspora links with the state.
Al Hind Air is promoted by the Al Hind Group, led by T Mohammed Haris and PV Valsaraj. The group has been active in the travel and tourism industry for over three decades, with a strong presence in Hajj and Umrah services, international ticketing and visa assistance. This existing network is expected to support the airline in building its early passenger base.
FlyExpress to operate as a cargo-only airline
Unlike the other two entrants, Hyderabad-based FlyExpress will not carry passengers. Instead, it plans to operate as a cargo-focused airline serving the fast-growing e-commerce, medical logistics and international parcel segments.
| Airline Name | Base & Head Office | Business Model | Fleet Plan | Focus Area | Current Status |
| Shankh Air | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | Full-service airline with limited dynamic pricing | Airbus A320; starting with 3 aircraft | Connecting cities in Uttar Pradesh with metro hubs; Jewar Airport as a future hub | NOC from MoCA; DGCA AOC process underway |
| Al Hind Air | Kochi, Kerala | Regional commuter airline | ATR 72-600 turboprop | Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities in Kerala and South India | NOC from MoCA; AOC pending |
| FlyExpress | Hyderabad | Cargo-focused airline | Freighter aircraft (details pending) | E-commerce and international cargo | NOC from MoCA; AOC process underway |
With Hyderabad as its operational base, the airline intends to run dedicated freighter services connecting major logistics hubs within India as well as overseas destinations. The promoters are linked to a logistics company with an established network spanning the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. By moving into aviation, the group aims to reduce reliance on other airlines and gain tighter control over delivery timelines.
All three airlines have secured NOCs from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MCA) and are at various stages of obtaining Air Operator Certificates from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). While their models differ sharply, from low-fare predictability to regional commuter services and cargo-only operations, the timing of their entry comes amid heightened scrutiny of market dominance in the sector.
