How launch of these three new airlines will provide more options for passengers post IndiGo crisis?
The government has approved three new airlines nearly three weeks after the IndiGo Airlines crisis.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the issuance of No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to the three airline companies on a social media platform.
He wrote, "Happy to have met the teams of the new airlines preparing to take to the skies in India over the past week – Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress. Shankh Air had already received its NOC from the ministry, while Al Hind Air and FlyExpress received their NOCs this week."
Experts believe that the launch of these three new airlines will provide more options for passengers and challenge Indigo Airlines, Air India, and Air India Express, which currently dominate 90 percent of the aviation sector.
Both new airlines are expected to improve regional connectivity.
Al Hind Airline
Al Hind Air is promoted by the Al Hind Group from Kerala. According to the airline's website, the group will start its airline as a regional commuter airline. Initially, it has decided to operate ATR 72-600 aircraft for domestic flights. Later, it will also expand internationally.
Al Hind Airline's hub will be Kochi. According to the information provided on the website, the airline is working with Cochin International Airport Limited for the smooth operation of its base.
FlyExpress Airline
The other airline that received an NOC is FlyExpress.
FlyExpress Airline has not given any timeline for starting its operations.
However, it has indicated that it will start operations soon.
FlyExpress may also start its operations on regional and domestic routes.
Shankh Airlines
According to Shankh Air's website, it is soon going to become Uttar Pradesh's largest full-service airline.
According to the website, its operations will begin from Noida International Airport.
The airline will connect major cities in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. Initially, its routes will include Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.