New Airline Shankh Air Targets Q1 2026 Launch After Ministry Approval

December 24, 2025 at 10:15 AM•2 min read

DGCA gave its no-objection certificate to Shankh Air, allowing the new domestic airline to target a Q1 2026 service launch, further boosting the Indian

Key Points

1Shankh Air targets a Q1 2026 service launch after receiving a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
2The Uttar Pradesh-based carrier plans to scale its fleet to 20–25 aircraft in two to three years.
3The launch will increase competition in the Indian market, currently dominated by IndiGo (65% share).
4The airline must still secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the DGCA to begin commercial operations.

Shankh Air is preparing for its official launch in the Indian civil aviation market. The new domestic airline India aims to start services in the first quarter of 2026. This follows the receipt of a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the civil aviation ministry. The Uttar Pradesh-based airline is operated by Shankh Aviation.

Regulatory Path and Fleet Ambitions

The NOC is a critical first step for any new carrier. It allows the company to formally begin its setup process. However, the airline must still secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). The DGCA issues the AOC after rigorous checks. These checks confirm financial strength and safety systems.

Shankh Aviation's Chairman and Managing Director, Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, recently met with officials. He briefed Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on the launch timeline. The minister assured full government cooperation for a smooth process.

The airline has ambitious Shankh Aviation fleet expansion plans. It intends to scale up to 20–25 aircraft within two to three years. The company stated its aircraft are undergoing technical reviews. They are being prepared for delivery to India. Shankh Air plans to operate as a full-service airline. Its main base is expected to be Noida International Airport.

Market Context and Industry Impact

India is recognized as one of the world's fastest-growing domestic air traffic markets. It is the third-largest civil aviation market globally. The country currently has nine scheduled domestic airlines.

The entry of Shankh Air increases competition. This is a key government priority. The ministry is encouraging more new entrants. This effort aims to address concerns over market concentration. Currently, IndiGo holds about 65% of the domestic market share.

The new airline India will initially focus on regional and metro routes. This includes connecting major cities in Uttar Pradesh. The routes will serve Lucknow, Varanasi, Agra, and Gorakhpur. This aligns with government schemes like UDAN. UDAN promotes regional connectivity to underserved areas. The Shankh Air launch Q1 2026 is a sign of strong confidence. The market opportunity is significant for new carriers. India's commercial aircraft fleet has more than doubled in the last decade. The country has an order book for another 739 aircraft. This expansion is necessary to meet rising passenger demand. For the latest commercial aviation news and fleet updates, visit our main page. flying.flights