Three new Indian airlines, including one from Kerala, enter aviation sector; NOC granted

NEW DELHI: Following the IndiGo crisis that broke out earlier this month, the Civil Aviation Ministry has granted NoC to two new airlines. This is being seen as an attempt by the central government to provide opportunities to more operators, provide convenience to passengers and avoid monopoly in the aviation sector. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu clarified in his X handle that the government has given NoC to Al Hind Air and Fly Express.

'A meeting was held with representatives of new airlines such as Uttar Pradesh based Shankh Air, Al Hind Air being promoted by Kerala based alhind Group and Fly Express, which are looking to spread their wings in the skies of India. Shankh Air received NoC from the ministry earlier. This week, Al Hind Air and Fly Express received NoCs.

The ministry aims to encourage more airlines in the Indian aviation industry, which is one of the fastest growing aviation markets in the world due to the policies of the Modi government. Schemes like UDAN have helped smaller carriers like Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 play a key role in regional connectivity within the country. There is more growth to come,’ the union minister said in a post.

While airline crashes are a global phenomenon, industry leaders say the situation in the country is more worrisome due to uneconomic operating conditions. The crisis faced by India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has led to the cancellation of around 4,500 flights in the last 10 days. It has also affected both international and domestic services.