A recent social media update from Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu in late December sparked optimism about increased competition in India's aviation sector. The minister named three new aspirants: Shankh Air, Alhind Air, and FlyExpress. However, a detailed examination reveals that the road to their operational launch may be longer and more challenging than the initial announcement suggested.
Timeline of Approvals Tells a Different Story
Contrary to the impression of fresh, rapid momentum, only one of the three entities received its crucial no-objection certificate (NOC) in December 2025. FlyExpress was the sole airline to secure its NOC last month. The other two, Shankh Air and Alhind Air, had actually received their clearances earlier, well before the minister's post. This distinction is significant as the news arrived amidst public and industry anxiety over a near-duopoly in Indian skies, highlighted by recent mass flight cancellations that exposed systemic fragility.
Examining the Fundamentals of the New Players
A review of the three companies shows uneven foundations, raising questions about their ability to launch sustainable operations. Alhind Air is backed by a sizable travel conglomerate, which provides some credibility, but the venture reportedly faces gaps in required capital and execution expertise. Shankh Air's promoter has experience in large-scale trading businesses, yet aviation is a capital-intensive industry demanding far deeper financial reserves to withstand initial losses and operational shocks.
The most concerns surround FlyExpress. This applicant has a patchy corporate history and unresolved legal issues, casting doubt on its readiness. In an Indian aviation sector littered with the memories of failed startups like Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways, securing a preliminary NOC is merely the first step in a long, arduous journey.
Clearances Do Not Guarantee Credible Competition
The NOC is an initial approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, allowing a company to begin the complex process of acquiring aircraft, securing operational permits from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and setting up infrastructure. History has shown that many who clear this first hurdle stumble later due to insufficient funding, poor management, or intense price competition.
For Indian consumers and the broader economy, the entry of stable, well-funded new airlines is crucial to breaking the dominance of the two major carriers, IndiGo and the Tata Group airlines (Air India, Vistara, AIX Connect). True competition can lead to better fares, more routes, and improved service. However, the current analysis suggests that while the intent to foster competition is clear, the path for these three specific aspirants remains fraught with familiar challenges that have grounded many ambitious aviation dreams before.
