INDIA’S NEW AIRLINE : SHANKH AIR 

Shankh Air, the newest airline in India, has reached a major milestone in its road to begin operations: the Civil Aviation Ministry has approved it to fly in the nation. However, before the airline can formally start operating, it must receive approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The first scheduled airline from Uttar Pradesh, Shankh Air, would have hubs in Lucknow and Noida. The airline, which focuses on places with high demand and few direct flight choices, seeks to connect key cities across India via both intrastate and interstate flights, according to the company website.

It also said that the NOC issued to operate will be good for three years.

India’s aviation industry is growing FAST

According to a report by aviation advisory firm CAPA India, India, which is currently the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, handled 376 million passengers in FY24, registering a strong 15% year-over-year rise in air passenger traffic. This rise demonstrates the aviation industry’s tenacity and growth despite recent difficulties encountered by many airlines.

Air India and IndiGo rule the Indian sky.

At now, IndiGo is the biggest airline in India, accounting for more than 60% of the country’s aviation market. With a current market share of 63%, the airline is well-positioned to continue gaining ground on its competitors and solidify its place in the nation’s rapidly expanding aviation industry.

In the meantime, the second-biggest airline, Air India, is growing quickly as well. Subject to antitrust clearance, the airline intends to acquire Vistara, which is presently jointly controlled by Singapore Airlines and Tata Group, by the end of next year. To further strengthen its fleet and market presence, Air India is also buying AirAsia India and combining it with Air India Express, its low-cost subsidiary.

Fly91 and Akasa Air 

Fly91 and Akasa Air are two new competitors that have entered the contest. Big, established players have been dominating the scene, while the late Rakesh Jhunjhunwala’s Fly91, Harsha Raghavan, and Manoj Chacko-led Akasa have been attempting to carve out a niche for themselves.

CAPA India forecasts that Indian airlines will add 84 new aircraft by the end of March 2025, raising the total number of planes in domestic service to 812. The industry is strongly committed to future expansion as seen by the almost 2,000 aircraft that are currently on order and will be delivered gradually over the next few years.