The year 2025 is going to be an exceptional year for Indian aviation as for the first time, the country will see the launch of three airlines within the span of just a few months. | Representational Image
Akasa Air, launched in December 2021, would soon lose its tag of India’s youngest airline as India will witness three new airlines this year. The year 2025 is going to be an exceptional year for Indian aviation as for the first time, the country will see the launch of three airlines within the span of just a few months.
With the increasing number of airports and passengers preferring to travel by air, the Indian aviation industry has a huge scope of growth for the airline companies as well. While the contemporary airlines are trying to increase their fleet sizes and connectivity across the country and beyond, the current market growth has also attracted new players to join the airline business.
Contrary to popular belief, India has a total of 12 functioning passenger airlines, including five mainline airlines and seven regional airlines. However, the market share is very concentrated with only two airlines catering to over 90% of the passengers. However, the industry is expected to witness a change in this trend with the launch of Air Kerala, Shankh Air and Alhind Air later this year.
All the three airlines – Air Kerala, Shankh Air and Alhind Air – were founded in 2024 and are expected to start their operations in 2025. These upcoming airlines have received the no objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and are now in process of getting the final air operator certificate (AOC) from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Shankh Air- Uttar Pradesh’s First Scheduled Airline
Shankh Air is set to become Uttar Pradesh’s first scheduled full-service airline. The airline will be operated from the upcoming Noida Jewar International Airport and aims to connect major cities within and outside UP, connecting regional connectivity. According to the airline, the initial routes will include Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and key metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Shankh Air is planning to lease its first narrow-body aircraft by the end of March as it aims to start operations with two leased aircrafts. The airline will increase its fleet to five aircrafts within the first year as per the conditions laid down by DGCA. The airline also plans to expand its presence to the international market by 2027. The airline’s chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma has reportedly committed $50 million in initial funding while its parent company M/s Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd. has pledged $200 million for its launch and expansion.
“Our vision at Shankh Air is anchored in enhancing accessibility and convenience for travellers across Uttar Pradesh and beyond. With a commitment to competitive pricing and exceptional customer service, we aspire to redefine air travel standards,” said Vishwakarma.
Two Airlines Will Take-Off From Kerala, Including India’s First Ultra Low-Cost Carrier
Kerala will stand out as the hub for Indian airlines as it will welcome two airlines Air Kerala and Alhind Air in this year. Both these airlines will focus on the regional demand in the southern states of the country and will expand to cater to international demands, particularly focusing on the Gulf countries.
While both the airlines are in competition to launch Kerala’s first scheduled airline, Air Kerala is set to become India’s first ultra low-cost carrier. It aims to start its domestic journey in 2025 and international flights in 2026. The airline’s primary focus is to connect the state’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities with major hubs, it also plans to go international to serve the large population of Malayali expat community residing in the middle east.
The airline was originally conceived by the state government in 2005 but did not materialise due to regulatory challenges. However, the private initiative will operate under Zettfly Aviation Pvt. Ltd., which is the brainchild of United Arab Emirates-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, now serving as the airline’s chairman and vice chairman respectively. The ultra low-cost airline’s fleet includes three ATR 72-600s, known for their fuel efficiency and will be operated from Cochin International Airport.
“Our aim is to make air travel a realistic option for a wider audience, thereby contributing to the empowerment of local economies. We are excited to offer the most competitive prices, without compromising on the quality of service and efficiency,” said Ahmed.
Simultaneously, Calicut-based Alhind Group, a leading tour and travel agency will debut in the aviation industry by launching Alhind Air as a regional commuter airline. The airline aims to expand to international destinations, particularly the Gulf countries, within less than two years of launch.
The airline will commence its journey by operating from Cochin International Airport with a fleet of two ATR 72- 600 aircraft, initially focusing on providing efficient domestic air travel. Meanwhile, it plans to scale up its fleet to seven aircraft within a year.
“With a vision to redefine regional air travel, Alhind Air is set to provide passengers with an enhanced travel experience, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This launch represents a significant step forward in addressing the evolving needs of the aviation market and laying the foundation for future growth,” said a spokesperson.
These airlines are set to mark 2025 as a historic year for Indian aviation. Launch of new airlines will also bring huge changes in the industry with better connectivity options, service quality and competitive pricing. However, the launch dates of all these airlines are yet to be announced as they are subject to the pending flyer permit from DGCA.
