BENGALURU- The Indian aviation sector is set to witness significant growth in 2025 with the launch of three new airlines—Shankh Air, Air Kerala, and Alhind Air.
These new carriers are in the final stages of securing regulatory approvals and are preparing to start operations in 2025. These airlines will enhance domestic connectivity and later expand to international routes. These new entrants will offer more options for Indian passengers.
Shankh Air: Uttar Pradesh’s First Scheduled Airline
Shankh Air is a Lucknow-based start-up airline. The airline aims to launch operations by May 2025. This will be subject to receiving its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The airline plans to commence services with five Airbus A320-200 aircraft in its first year, with plans to expand its fleet by adding ten more aircraft in 2026.
Shankh Air had earlier planned to operate Boeing’s narrowbody aircraft. However, the airline has later shifted to Airbus A320ceo aircraft, a strategic move likely driven by cost and availability considerations.
A spokesperson for Shankh Air stated:
“We are in the process of obtaining the AOC from the DGCA. The exact timeline depends on regulatory compliances. We are optimistic about receiving it by the end of April.”
spokesperson, Shankh Air
The specific details regarding the source of aircraft leasing remain undisclosed. Shankh Air has indicated that an official announcement will be made this month (February 2025) once final agreements with lessors are secured.
The airline’s financial backing is led by chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, who has committed $50 million in initial funding. Additionally, its parent company, M/s Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd., has pledged an investment of $200 million to support the airline’s launch and expansion.
Shankh Air’s vision extends beyond domestic operations. The airline plans to venture into international markets by the end of 2027, gradually expanding its network to cater to growing demand.
Two New Airlines in South India
Kerala will welcome two new airlines in 2025—Air Kerala and Alhind Air. Both these airlines have received operational permits from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and are awaiting their final AOC approvals from the DGCA.
These airlines are expected to cater to the growing demand for regional and international connectivity, particularly targeting the Gulf sector.
Air Kerala: A Long-Awaited Dream
Air Kerala is gearing up to launch scheduled flights in mid-2025. The airline aims to establish itself as a major player in the domestic sector.
Air Kerela is a Kochi-based airline founded by Dubai-based Malayali entrepreneurs. The airline aims to enhance regional connectivity within Kerala while also linking key South Indian cities.
A delegation from Air Kerala recently met with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who assured government support for the venture. The airline plans to operate from multiple airports, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur.
Air Kerala’s journey has been long in the making. Plans for Air Kerela were originally conceived as a state government initiative in 2005. The project never materialized due to regulatory challenges.
However, the new private initiative has gained momentum. The airline has already secured operational permits from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and is awaiting its final AOC from the DGCA.
The airline’s primary hubs will be in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kannur, and its fleet will initially consist of ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. The first aircraft for the airline will arrive by March or April 2025, with services commencing shortly after.
Afi Ahmed, chairman of ZettFly Aviation, the parent company of Air Kerala, stated:
Afi Ahmed
“We aim to strengthen regional connectivity in Kerala before expanding to other domestic destinations. Our long-term goal is to introduce narrowbody aircraft for international operations, starting with Dubai.”
The airline expects to launch its international flights by 2026, catering to Kerala’s large expatriate community in the Gulf.
Alhind Air: Kozhikode-Based
Alhind Air is a Calicut-based private airline. The airline is preparing for a mid-2025 launch, marking a significant addition to India’s growing aviation landscape. The airline is promoted by the Alhind Group, a company with a ₹20,000 crore turnover and over 130 offices worldwide.
Alhind Air is aiming to enhance regional connectivity within Kerala before expanding its domestic and international network.
Alhind Air’s fleet will consist of the ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, well-suited for short-haul regional routes. The airline will receive the first of its seven ATR 72-600s by March 2025. Commercial operations will commence after trial flights and DGCA certification. The airline will start operations with two ATR aircraft, with plans to scale up to seven within a year.
Kochi will serve as Alhind Air’s initial hub. The airline plans to have multiple bases operational as it expands. The first phase will focus on strengthening intrastate connectivity within Kerala.
The airline plans to fly on covering key routes such as Kochi–Thiruvananthapuram–Calicut. Over time, the airline aims to connect 40 domestic airports, targeting tier-1,2 and 3 cities such as Pondicherry, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Madurai, Goa, and Mangalore.
Within 18 months of launch, the airline plans to expand to the Gulf region, catering to Kerala’s large expatriate population. Looking further ahead, Alhind Air intends to acquire narrow-body aircraft, likely the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, within two years, enabling the airline to operate medium-haul international routes.
Alhind Air received initial DGCA approval in August 2024 and expects to secure its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by mid-2025.
Bottom Line
2025 will be a landmark year for Indian aviation. Shankh Air will strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s aviation presence and Air Kerala & Alhind Air will boost regional and international connectivity from South India. These airlines will not only create new travel opportunities but also enhance competition, ultimately benefiting passengers with better connectivity and competitive fares.
As these carriers finalize their approvals and prepare for takeoff, India’s aviation landscape is set for a new era of growth and accessibility. An industry source revealed:
“Both Air Kerala and Alhind Air will play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for affordable travel to the Gulf region, a segment that remains underserved despite high demand.”
Industry source
The launch of these new airlines will enhance affordability, improve service quality, and drive better regional access, particularly in South India and tier-2 and tier-3 cities. As these airlines compete for market share, passengers stand to benefit from more choices, competitive fares, and better connectivity—a win-win for both the industry and travelers
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