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India Clears Runway for 3 New Airlines as Aviation Sector Soars

The Civil Aviation Ministry has granted No Objection Certificates to three new airlines: Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu stated the government is actively encouraging new entrants into India's rapidly growing aviation market, crediting supportive policies. This development follows recent operational disruptions at IndiGo, which the minister attributed to the airline's internal crew management issues. The expansion is partly fueled by the UDAN scheme, which has successfully boosted regional connectivity across the country.

Key Points: India Grants NOCs to 3 New Airlines: Shankh, Al Hind, FlyExpress

  • 3 airlines get NOCs
  • Govt encourages market growth
  • UDAN scheme boosts regional connectivity
  • Minister addresses recent IndiGo disruptions
2 min read

Centre clears entry for new airlines, 3 players receive NOCs: Civil Aviation Minister

India's aviation ministry grants NOCs to Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress, encouraging new entrants in the world's fastest-growing market.

"pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies - Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu"

New Delhi, December 24

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday said the government has cleared the way for new airlines, a development coming after a series of meetings with the aspiring players.

In a post on X, the Minister said he met teams from Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress over the past week.

"Over the last one week, pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies--Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress. While Shankh Air has already got the no objection certificate (NOC) from the ministry, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs this week," Naidu said.

The Minister said the government is encouraging more airlines to enter the Indian aviation sector, which he described as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world due to the policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It has been endeavour of the ministry to encourage more airlines in Indian Aviation which is amongst the fastest growing aviation markets in the world owing to the policies of the government of Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji. Schemes like UDAN, has enabled smaller carriers Star Air, India One Air, Fly91 etc. to play an important role in the regional connectivity within the country and there is more scope for further growth," the Aviation Minister added.

The development comes a week after disruptions caused by the cancellation of over 4,000 IndiGo flights in the first week of December. The cancellations were linked to difficulties in implementing new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms.

Speaking to ANI earlier, Naidu said the Directorate General of Civil Aviation introduced the new FDTL regulations from November 1 and that the Ministry had been engaging with airlines on the issue for at least six months.

"From November 1, the DGCA came up with new FDTL regulations. The Ministry also initiated a continuous engagement process with the airlines for at least 6 months. Previously, there was no issue regarding the new FDTL norm. Other airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet, have adjusted," he said.

Naidu said the disruption was due to issues specific to IndiGo's internal management.

"However, what has unfolded is due to mismanagement by IndiGo regarding its crew. We have given certain abeyances regarding FDTL norms to IndiGo to ensure normalcy," the Civil Aviation Minister said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is positive news for connectivity, especially if they join the UDAN scheme. My hometown still doesn't have good air links. More players might finally make that happen.
R
Rohit P
Good step, but the timing is interesting. Announcing new airlines right after the massive IndiGo disruption? Feels a bit like managing the news cycle. The focus should be on ensuring existing airlines follow the new FDTL norms properly for passenger safety.
S
Sarah B
As a frequent traveler for work, I welcome this. The Indian aviation market has huge potential. I just hope these new entrants have solid financial backing and don't vanish in a few years like some others did.
K
Karthik V
Shankh Air, Al Hind Air... interesting names. Hope they bring something new to the table and not just become clones of the existing low-cost carriers. We need better in-flight experience too, not just cheap tickets.
M
Meera T
More airlines should mean more jobs for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. That's a very good thing for our youth. The sector's growth is impressive. Jai Hind!

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