Former Tempo Driver Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma Secures NOC for Shankh Air Launch?

January 1, 2026 at 01:49 PM•3 min read

Shankh Air, a new Indian carrier founded by former tempo driver Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, secured its Ministry of Civil Aviation NOC for a planned early 2026 launch with three Airbus

Key Points

1Shankh Air, founded by former tempo driver Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, secured its Ministry of Civil Aviation NOC in late 2025/early 2026.
2The airline plans an early 2026 launch with three Airbus aircraft, focusing on key routes like Lucknow to Delhi and Mumbai.
3The NOC is part of a broader government strategy to introduce new airlines and challenge the duopoly of IndiGo and the Air India Group in the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
4Shankh Air must now obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA to begin commercial flights.

The landscape of Indian aviation is set to welcome a remarkable new entrant. Shankh Air, a new Indian airline, has received its No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). This clearance paves the way for the carrier to begin commercial operations in early 2026.

At the heart of this aviation startup story is founder Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma. His journey is one of India’s most striking entrepreneurial tales. Just seven years ago, Vishwakarma was a loader and tempo driver airline owner in Kanpur. He built his foundation through success in the steel, cement, and transport sectors.

Launching Uttar Pradesh Aviation

Shankh Air is poised to become the first home-grown airline from Uttar Pradesh. The carrier plans to launch with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft. These are reportedly Airbus planes India, specifically A320s. The initial network will focus on connecting Lucknow to major cities. Key initial destinations include Delhi and Mumbai. Vishwakarma has a clear vision for the Shankh Air launch. He wants to make air travel accessible to everyone. The airline aims to boost India regional connectivity.

Regulatory Milestones and Market Context

The NOC is a major step in the DGCA regulatory process. It allows the airline to move toward its final certification. The next crucial stage is securing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

This approval comes as the Indian government seeks to increase competition. The domestic market is currently dominated by a duopoly. IndiGo and the Air India Group hold over 90% of the market share. Recent operational disruptions at IndiGo highlighted the risks of this market concentration.

MoCA has also granted NOCs to other aspiring carriers. This signals a policy push to widen capacity. Industry experts predict India will become the world's third-largest aviation market by 2026. New carriers like Shankh Air are vital for sustaining this growth. They help meet rising passenger demand in smaller cities. This development is key commercial aviation news for the region.

For more updates on new carriers and market trends, visit our commercial aviation news at flying.flights.

Challenges and Opportunities

New airlines face significant challenges in India. High operating costs and volatile fuel prices are constant pressures. Intense price sensitivity among passengers also limits pricing power.

However, the opportunity for India regional connectivity is immense. Government schemes like UDAN support expansion into underserved routes. Shankh Air’s focus on Lucknow-Delhi-Mumbai routes and regional hubs positions it well. Vishwakarma's background provides a unique perspective. His goal is to treat air travel as an essential service. This inclusive vision could resonate with the growing middle-class market.