Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress Get NOCs: New Competition for IndiGo and Air India in 2026

India’s domestic aviation sector will see increased competition with Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air scheduled to commence flight services in early 2026, following the grant of a no-objection certificate (NOC).  

Alongside Shankh Air, 2 more airlines, namely Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have also received NOCs recently. 

Shankh Air to Launch in Early 2026 

Shankh Air intends to start flight operations across India in Q1 2026. The airline has received its no-objection certificate from the Ministry of Civil Aviation. Technical assessments of its aircraft are in progress and preparations for delivery to India are underway.  

As part of its operational rollout, Shankh Aviation Chairman and Managing Director, Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, briefed Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu about the airline's plans during a meeting held on December 23, 2025. 

Backed by Shankh Aviation and Based in Uttar Pradesh 

Shankh Air will be operated by Shankh Aviation, a company headquartered in Uttar Pradesh. The firm aims to enhance regional connectivity and bolster its market presence in the country's expanding domestic aviation sector.  

India currently has 9 scheduled domestic airlines, positioning it as one of the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally. 

Al Hind Air and FlyExpress Also Receive NOCs 

Kerala-based Al Hind Air and new entrant FlyExpress were granted NOCs this week. With these additions, India’s domestic airline sector now includes 12 scheduled carriers, marking a shift in a market typically dominated by 2 major players. Fly Big, another regional carrier, exited the scene in October 2025 after suspending scheduled operations. 

The domestic aviation space is led by IndiGo and the Air India Group (Air India and Air India Express), which collectively control over 90% of the market. IndiGo alone holds a share of more than 65%, raising recent concerns about a potential duopoly. 

Read More: India Clears 3 New Airlines: Al Hind Air, FlyExpress, and Shankh Air Get Nod to Compete IndiGo's Dominance! 

Fleet Growth Plans Highlighted During Ministerial Discussion 

During the discussions with the Aviation Minister, Vishwakarma revealed that the airline plans to expand its fleet to between 20 and 25 aircraft within 3 years. To ensure compliance and readiness, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will work alongside the Ministry to facilitate procedural clearances for a seamless launch of operations. 

Support from Civil Aviation Ministry 

The Civil Aviation Ministry has assured cooperation in ensuring that all regulatory procedures, including those managed by the DGCA, are completed in a timely manner.  

This facilitation aims to support new market entrants such as Shankh Air in boosting India's civil aviation infrastructure. 

Conclusion 

The entry of Shankh Air along with Al Hind Air and FlyExpress brings added choices to India’s aviation sector. With the airline count increasing and aircraft expansion underway, a more diverse competitive environment is shaping up within the domestic market. 

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