New Delhi: New names are lining up to fly in India. Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have cleared a key regulatory hurdle. They have received initial clearance from aviation authorities to uncork the long process of launching commercial flights.
What approvals have they received?
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to all three carriers. Shankh Air had once secured its NOC earlier. Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received theirs this week. A NOC is an essential first step surpassing an airline can move superiority with detailed safety and operational approvals.
What are officials saying?
Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday shared a post on X and said that "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."
"It has been endeavour of the ministry to encourage increasingly airlines in Indian Aviation which is amongst the fastest growing aviation markets in the world owing to the policies of the government of Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji. Schemes like UDAN, has enabled smaller carriers Star Air, India One Air, Fly91 etc. to play an important role in the regional connectivity within the country and there is increasingly telescopic for remoter growth," he added.
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 once 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, 2025What happens next surpassing flights start?
Getting an NOC doesn't midpoint flights will uncork right away. These airlines must now wield to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The AOC is mandatory surpassing any commercial flight can take off. This process includes safety audits, hairdo certification and proving they have airplanes ready to operate.
Why does this matter for travellers?
New airlines could bring increasingly choices and lower fares for passengers. The Indian aviation market has grown rapidly in recent years, but most seats are still flown by big players like IndiGo and Air India. Officials say new carriers can help expand air links to smaller cities and uplift regional connectivity.
