Civil Aviation Ministry Approves Al Hind Air and FlyExpress
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to two emerging airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, marking a strategic move to reduce the heavy reliance on a few dominant carriers in India’s domestic aviation market.
These approvals come amid growing concerns over a market largely controlled by IndiGo and the Air India Group, which together account for over 90% of domestic air traffic. IndiGo alone operates more than 65% of the market, raising alarms about the risks of dependency on a single airline.
Market Vulnerabilities Highlighted by IndiGo Disruptions
Concerns intensified earlier this month when widespread operational disruptions at IndiGo caused massive schedule cancellations, affecting thousands of passengers. The incident emphasized the vulnerabilities inherent in a market dominated by very few players.
Government Push for Wider Participation
Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu confirmed the NOC approvals via a post on X. He noted that the ministry held discussions with teams from Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress. While Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air already possesses an NOC and plans to begin commercial operations in 2026, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received clearance this week.
The inclusion of new players aligns with the government’s ongoing strategy to expand participation in the aviation sector. Currently, India has only nine operational scheduled domestic airlines, a number further reduced after regional carrier Fly Big suspended its flights in October.
Profiles of the New Entrants
- Al Hind Air: Promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, it aims to establish a foothold in the domestic market.
- FlyExpress: Part of a growing cohort of aspirant carriers seeking entry into a market where scale, pricing power, and network reach are concentrated among a few leading players.
Policy Measures to Encourage Competition
Minister Naidu emphasized that promoting new airlines has been a consistent policy goal, especially in light of rapid growth in domestic air travel demand. Programs such as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) have supported smaller carriers in improving regional connectivity, allowing them to operate on underserved routes.
Under UDAN, carriers including Star Air, India One Air, and Fly91 have expanded services to smaller cities, integrating them into the broader national aviation network. The government sees considerable growth potential in this segment.
Current Domestic Airline Landscape
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India’s current roster of scheduled domestic airlines includes:
- IndiGo
- Air India
- Air India Express
- Alliance Air (state-owned)
- Akasa Air
- SpiceJet
- Star Air
- Fly91
- IndiaOne Air
Challenges and Risks in India’s Aviation Sector
Despite efforts to encourage competition, the sector remains volatile. In recent years, airlines such as Jet Airways and Go First ceased operations due to debt and operational difficulties, highlighting the high-risk nature of the domestic aviation market. Nevertheless, demand for air travel continues to grow, providing opportunities for new entrants like Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
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