Archive · 25 Dec 2025
India Approves Three New Airlines
The Indian government has approved three new airlines, Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air, to start operating in the country.
The government is trying to help the Indian aviation industry grow because it is one of the fastest-growing in the world.
They have special programs like UDAN that help smaller airlines connect different parts of the country.
This is good news for people who travel by air and for the economy.
The approvals were announced by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu, on 24 December 2025.
Currently, there are nine operational scheduled domestic carriers in the country, with IndiGo and Air India Group having over 90% of the domestic market share.
Indian government approves three new airlines: Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air.
Shankh Air had previously received approval to operate in India.
The government aims to encourage more airlines in the fast-growing Indian aviation market.
Schemes like UDAN support regional connectivity and smaller carriers.
Existing regional carriers include Star Air, India One Air, and Fly91.
- Who
- Indian government, new airlines (Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, FlyExpress)
- What
- Approval of new airlines and encouragement of aviation growth
- When
- 24 December 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To foster growth in the Indian aviation market and improve regional connectivity
- New Airlines Approved
- Al Hind Air, FlyExpress
- Existing Approval
- Shankh Air (previously approved)
- Government Initiative
- Encouraging more airlines in Indian aviation
- Market Growth
- Fastest growing aviation market in the world
- Supporting Schemes
- UDAN (regional connectivity)
- Existing Regional Carriers
- Star Air, India One Air, Fly91
- Approval Date
- 24 December 2025
- Approval Authority
- Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu
- Current Domestic Carriers
- Nine operational scheduled domestic carriers
- Market Share
- IndiGo and Air India Group have over 90% of the domestic market share
Sources
More Airlines Coming? Government Clears Two New Players After IndiGo Turmoil
Shankh Air eyes Q1 2026 launch; Al Hind Air, FlyExpress get government clearance
Two new airlines soon in India after IndiGo chaos? Al Hind Air and Fly Express get NOCs
India set to get new airlines, thanks to Indigo fiasco
Al Hind, FlyExpress: Centre Okays 2 New Airlines To Break Aviation 'Duopoly'
Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, FlyExpress to enter Indian skies—can they dent IndiGo, Air India’s dominance?
End of duopoly? India grants initial clearance to Al Hind and FlyExpress weeks after IndiGo disruptions
Al Hind Air, FlyExpress get NOC to launch new airlines in India
Deadline For Panel's Report On IndiGo Flight Chaos Extended Till Friday
Days after IndiGo crisis, Centre gives nod to two new domestic airlines
Govt approves Al Hind Air, FlyExpress as new airlines after IndiGo crisis
Al Hind Air, FlyExpress Get Government Nod for Operations
Amid Indigo Crisis… Centre gives nod to three new airlines
Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, Shankh Air get govt nod for operations
