Key Highlights of the News
The Ministry recently met with the leadership teams of these upcoming airlines to finalize the regulatory approvals.
| Airline Name | Hub / Headquarters | Expected Launch | Focus Areas |
| Shankh Air | Lucknow / Noida (UP) | Q1 2026 | National & Regional Connectivity |
| Alhind Air | Kochi (Kerala) | 2026 | South India & International |
| FlyExpress | Information Pending | 2026 | Regional Routes |
📍 About Shankh Air
First Airline from Uttar Pradesh: Shankh Air will be the first scheduled carrier to be based out of Uttar Pradesh, leveraging the new Noida International Airport (Jewar) and Lucknow.
Fleet Expansion: Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma has stated that the airline plans to induct 20-25 aircraft within the first three years of operation.
Strategic Routes: The airline will focus on connecting major metros like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad with fast-growing cities in North India.
🚀 Why This Matters
The Civil Aviation Minister, K. Rammohan Naidu, emphasized that the government is keen on increasing the number of operators to ensure a healthy market.
Increased Competition: With IndiGo holding nearly 65% of the market share, new entrants will help stabilize airfares.
Improved Connectivity: These airlines are expected to support the UDAN scheme, bringing air travel to underserved tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Better Services: More players in the market usually lead to improved passenger amenities and customer service standards.