The government has given initial approval for two new airlines to commence operations following the recent disruptions in IndiGo’s services, causing passenger inconveniences nationwide. The civil aviation ministry issued a “no-objection certificate” to regional carriers – Shankh Air, Al Hind Air, and FlyExpress this week, as mentioned by Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu. Encouraging competition in the domestic aviation market is a key focus for the government.
Al Hind Air, backed by the Alhind Group from Kerala, plans to launch services in southern India using ATR Turboprop aircraft and is in the process of securing an Air Operator Certificate. FlyExpress has indicated on its website that it will be operational soon. Shankh Air is anticipated to begin commercial flights next year.
With IndiGo dominating 65% of India’s domestic aviation market and Air India holding a 27% share, the sector currently operates as a duopoly. Smaller carriers like SpiceJet and Akasa account for the remaining market share. IndiGo faced significant disruptions, canceling over 4,000 flights primarily due to crew shortages across major airports like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru.
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu informed Parliament about an inquiry into IndiGo’s mass flight cancellations, emphasizing the need for stringent action to be taken against the airline to set a precedent. The disruptions were attributed to an “internal crisis” at IndiGo following the implementation of new safety regulations for passengers.
