India's newest airline, Shankh Air, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry to operate in the country, marking a significant milestone in its journey toward launching operations. However, the airline will need clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before it can officially begin flights. As the first scheduled airline from Uttar Pradesh, Shankh Air will hub at Lucknow and Noida, aiming to connect major cities across India. The airline plans to offer both interstate and intrastate routes, focusing on areas with high demand and limited direct flight options.
The approval letter from the aviation ministry stated, "The company is further directed to comply with relevant provisions regulations of FDI, SEBl, etc., as well as other applicable rules & regulations in this regard." The No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to Shankh Air will be valid for a period of three years, providing a timeframe to establish operations. The launch of this airline could significantly enhance connectivity to regions that currently experience limited air travel options, improving regional mobility across India.
In the current aviation landscape, IndiGo holds over 60% of India's market share, making it the largest airline in the country with a current share of 63%. This dominant position enables IndiGo to capture even more passenger traffic as the aviation sector continues to grow. Meanwhile, Air India, the second-largest airline, is also expanding rapidly. The airline plans to absorb Vistara, co-owned by Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, by next year, pending antitrust clearance. Additionally, Air India is acquiring AirAsia India and merging it with its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, further bolstering its fleet and market presence.
