DELHI- The Indian aviation sector will witness unprecedented growth in 2025 with the launch of three new airlines in India—Shankh Air, Air Kerala & Alhind Air—starting operations within months of each other.
Despite India having 12 functioning passenger airlines, market concentration remains high with just two carriers serving over 90% of passengers. The growing number of airports and increasing air travel preferences create substantial opportunities for new contenders in this expanding market.
Photo: Alhind Airlines, Compounded by Aviation A2ZNew Airlines in India
Shankh Air will operate from Noida Jewar International Airport (DXN). Kerala will host two new airlines—Air Kerala and Alhind Air. Both will be competing to become the state’s first scheduled carrier while focusing on regional connectivity in southern states and future expansion to Gulf countries, reported Free Press Journal.
All three carriers received their no-objection certificates (NOCs) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) in 2024. They await final air operator certificates (AOC) from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Photo: Shankh AirShankh Air
Shankh Air will operate from the upcoming Noida Jewar International Airport as Uttar Pradesh’s first scheduled full-service airline. Initial routes will connect Lucknow (LKO), Varanasi (VNS), Gorakhpur (GOP), and major metros including Delhi (DEL), Mumbai (BOM), and Bengaluru (BLR).
The carrier plans to lease its first narrow-body aircraft by March-end, starting operations with two aircraft and expanding to five within a year. International expansion is targeted for 2027. Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma has committed $50 million in initial funding, while parent company Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd. pledged $200 million for launch and expansion.
“Our vision at Shankh Air is anchored in enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers across Uttar Pradesh and beyond,” stated Vishwakarma.
Photo: Air KeralaAir Kerala
Air Kerala aims to become India’s first ultra-low-cost carrier, launching domestic operations in 2025 and international flights in 2026. Initially conceptualized by the state government in 2005, this private initiative will operate under Zettfly Aviation Pvt. Ltd., founded by UAE-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada.
The airline will operate three ATR 72-600 aircraft from Cochin International Airport (COK), focusing on connecting Kerala’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with major hubs while serving the Malayali expatriate community in the Middle East.
Photo: Alhind Air, Compounded by Aviation A2ZAlhind Air
Calicut-based Alhind Group will transition from a tour and travel agency to launch Alhind Air as a regional commuter airline.
Starting with two ATR 72-600 aircraft operating from Cochin International Airport (COK), the carrier plans to expand to seven aircraft within a year and launch international routes to Gulf countries within two years of operations.
Photo: Alhind Airlines, Compounded by Aviation A2ZFuture of the New Airlines in India
The launch of these three new airlines in India in 2025 marks a historic year for Indian aviation, promising improved regional connectivity, enhanced service quality, and competitive pricing.
Final launch dates remain pending as the airlines await regulatory approval from the DGCA.
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India is Gearing Up to Welcome New Airlines in 2025
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