Al Hind Air and FlyExpress Get NOCs; Shankh Air Expected to Join; Know All About These New Airlines Network

The Indian civil aviation sector is set to welcome new entrants, with Al Hind Air and FlyExpress receiving No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry. Another regional carrier, Shankh Air, which already holds an NOC, is expected to commence operations in 2026, adding competition to a market currently dominated by a few major airlines.

Al Hind Air & FlyExpress Two New Airlines Get NOCs After IndiGo Crisis; Shankh Air Expected To Join

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu confirmed that he recently met with teams from all three carriers. According to ANI, the minister emphasized that the government is actively encouraging new airlines to enter Indian skies. He highlighted India as one of the world's fastest-growing aviation markets, driven by supportive government policies and initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme.

Know About Al Hind Air Network

Promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, Al Hind Air is preparing to launch as a regional commuter airline with its operational hub based in Kochi. The airline plans to operate ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, initially focusing on efficient domestic air travel.

A statement on Al Hind Air's website reads that it "is preparing to make its debut in the aviation industry as a regional commuter airline, with operations scheduled to commence later this year." The airline is still in the process of securing its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), a key regulatory approval required before commercial flights can begin.

To ensure a smooth start, Al Hind Air is actively collaborating with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to set up its operational base. The airline aims to provide reliable air travel within southern India and gradually expand its services.

FlyExpress Airline

FlyExpress, the second airline to receive an NOC from the civil aviation ministry, has indicated that it is preparing to launch operations soon. While details of its fleet and route network have not been formally announced, industry watchers expect the airline to target regional and domestic routes, catering to the growing demand for air travel in India.

Shankh Air Plans 2026 Launch

Shankh Air, based in Uttar Pradesh, has already obtained its NOC and is gearing up to start services in the first quarter of 2026. According to the airline, its aircraft are undergoing technical reviews and are being prepared for delivery to India.

In a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Naidu earlier this week, Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, founder and chairman of Shankh Aviation, briefed the minister on operational plans. Shankh Air intends to provide affordable air travel, positioning itself as a competitor to established carriers such as SpiceJet and IndiGo.

Who Operates Shankh Air?

The airline's leadership team also includes directors Anurag Chhabra and Kaushik Sengupta. Vishwakarma, who also owns Shankh Agencies Private Limited-a company operating in building materials, ceramics, concrete and wholesale goods-aims to leverage his business experience to build a cost-efficient and customer-focused airline.