India has approved three new airlines to begin operations in a move aimed at boosting competition in its fast-growing domestic aviation market, following recent nationwide flight disruptions that left thousands of passengers stranded.
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu said Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have now received the required clearances, with one already holding a no-objection certificate and the other two approved this week.
The decision comes after operational failures at IndiGo, which controls about 60 percent of the domestic market, triggered mass cancellations earlier this month due to crew rostering and planning issues linked to new duty time rules.
Authorities have warned of strict action against airlines that fail to comply, as air travel demand peaks during December and domestic passenger numbers continue to surge.
Over the last one week, pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies—Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
While Shankh Air has already got the NOC from Ministry, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs in this week.
It has… pic.twitter.com/oLWXqBfSFU
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) December 23, 2025
Image credit: Md Shafinur Rahman
