Indian air travellers may soon have more options when booking their flights. The Centre has given initial approval to two new airlines, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, in a move aimed at reducing the heavy dependence on a handful of carriers and making air travel more reliable.
The clearances, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, come at a time when passengers are still recalling the chaos caused earlier this month after IndiGo cancelled thousands of flights due to operational issues. Many travellers were left stranded, highlighting how vulnerable the system can become when one airline dominates the skies.
Today, IndiGo accounts for nearly two-thirds of India’s domestic air travel, while the Air India Group controls most of the rest. Smaller airlines together make up only a small share. The government believes that bringing in new players will help balance the market and reduce the impact of such large-scale disruptions in the future.
Al Hind Air, promoted by the Kerala-based alhind Group, plans to focus on regional routes using smaller aircraft. The airline hopes to connect cities and towns that often see limited flight options, especially in southern India. For many passengers in smaller centres, this could mean easier and faster access to air travel.
FlyExpress, the second airline to get the green signal, is also preparing to enter the domestic market. While details about its routes and fleet are yet to be announced, the airline has indicated that it plans to start operations soon, adding more seats and competition.
Another airline, Shankh Air, has already received government approval earlier and is expected to take off in 2026, further expanding choices for passengers.
Aviation officials say more airlines mean not just better prices, but also better service and resilience when problems arise. As air travel demand continues to grow across India, the entry of new carriers is expected to ease pressure on existing airlines and make flying a smoother experience for millions of passengers.
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