India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has taken a ₹10 crore equity stake in Bengaluru-based Sarla Aviation, signalling fresh interest in the emerging flying taxi segment, as per news reports.
The investment, made via IndiGo Ventures in January, was completed at the same valuation as the startup’s earlier funding round, according to filings with the Registrar of Companies.
This is a return to the urban air mobility space after IndiGo’s earlier non-binding arrangement with Archer Aviation failed to progress due to delays in delivery timelines.
Founded in 2023 by Adrian Schmidt, Rakesh Gaonkar and Shivam Chauhan, Sarla Aviation is developing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft tailored for city transport. Its flagship aircraft, “Shunya”, is to be introduced in Bengaluru by 2028.
The aircraft is to carry up to 680 kilograms and accommodate 6 passengers, excluding the pilot. It is intended to operate using existing helipads at hotels, hospitals and technology parks, avoiding the need for extensive new infrastructure.
Sarla Aviation raised $10 million in January 2025 in a round led by Accel, with participation from investors such as Binny Bansal, Nikhil Kamath and Sriharsha Majety. Including earlier rounds, the company has secured about $13.4 million to date.
IndiGo’s latest investment adds strategic backing from an established airline, though both companies had not responded to queries at the time of reporting.
Airlines globally are beginning to align with eVTOL developers. US-based Joby Aviation counts Delta Air Lines and Toyota Motor Corporation among its backers, while Archer Aviation has received support from United Airlines.
In India, startups such as ePlane, BluJ Aerospace and JetSetGo are also exploring similar opportunities, showing growing interest in short-distance aerial transport.
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As of April 16, 2026, 1:41 pm, InterGlobe Aviation (Indigo) Ltd share price was trading at ₹4,620.20, down 0.38% from the previous closing price.
IndiGo’s investment suggests continued appetite for next-generation mobility despite earlier setbacks. With timelines stretching to 2028 and no analyst commentary yet, the bet remains early-stage but closely watched.
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Published on: Apr 16, 2026, 2:20 PM IST
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