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Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday said the aviation ministry has held talks with teams of three aspiring airlines in the last week. While Shankha Air had already received its No Objection Certificate (NOC), Al Hind Air and FlyExpress were granted their NOCs this week.
The approval comes at a time when the domestic aviation market is dominated by two big players – IndiGo and Air India Group – which together account for about 90% of passenger traffic.
The recent disruptions at IndiGo caused massive delays and cancellations across its network, underscoring how operational stress on a single airline can rapidly trigger system-wide disruption.
Over the past week, it was a pleasure to meet the teams of new airlines looking to fly in the Indian skies – Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
While Shankha Air has already received NOC from the ministry, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress got NOC this week.
it is… pic.twitter.com/oLWXqBfSFU
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) 23 December 2025
In a post on X, Naidu said encouraging new airline entrants remains a key priority, especially as India is one of the fastest growing aviation markets globally. He said the policy initiatives under the Modi government are aimed at expanding capacity and competition on both metro and regional routes.
The grant of NOC allows airlines to formally begin operations but does not allow them to fly commercially. The next and more demanding step is to obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. This includes demonstrating financial strength, acquiring aircraft, hiring trained crew, installing safety systems, and completing regulatory flights.
Government officials point to the success of regional connectivity initiatives like UDAN as evidence that a broader airline ecosystem can function effectively. Smaller carriers including Star Air, IndiaOne Air and Fly91 have expanded air connectivity to underserved cities, reducing pressure on major trunk routes.
However, industry experts caution that many airlines that receive NOCs never reach the operational stage. High fuel costs, intense fare competition and low margins have historically made airline sustainability challenging in India.
Still, the timing of the latest approvals sends a clear signal. In the wake of the IndiGo crisis, the government appears keen to address monopoly risk and create greater flexibility in India’s aviation system. The real test will be how many of these new entrants successfully overcome the regulatory hurdles and reach the skies.