Shankh Air to Launch January 2026: New Airbus Fleet Challenges India Duopoly
Key Points
- 1Shankh Air is set to commence domestic operations in the first half of January 2026 with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft.
- 2The airline's primary routes will connect Lucknow to Delhi and Mumbai, with a strategic focus on regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme.
- 3Founder Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma promises no fare hikes during festival seasons, positioning the airline as a full-service carrier for the middle class.
- 4International operations are projected to begin in 2028 or 2029, following a successful domestic rollout.
A new airline, Shankh Air, is preparing for its commercial launch. The carrier is set to begin domestic operations in the first half of January 2026.
This launch comes as the Indian government actively encourages new entrants. The goal is to curb the growing Indian aviation duopoly. The sector is currently dominated by the IndiGo and Air India Groups. The new airline aims to make air travel accessible to first-time flyers. It will focus on India's vast middle-class passenger base.
Launch Details and Fleet
Shankh Air is the brainchild of entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma. Vishwakarma serves as the Chairman and Managing Director. He stated the airline’s core objective is to break the myth that flying is a luxury. The company is funded by its parent, Shankh Trading. This gives the venture no funding constraints, according to the Chairman.
- The initial Airbus aircraft fleet will include three planes.
- Two additional Airbus planes are expected to join the fleet within six weeks.
- The aircraft have been acquired on a lease basis from external companies.
Initial Routes and Network Strategy
Shankh Air plans to operate as a full-service carrier India. The initial phase will focus on connecting key metropolitan areas. Primary Shankh Air routes will link Lucknow to Delhi and Mumbai. The airline will also serve various destinations within Uttar Pradesh.
The airline's base of operations will be the upcoming Noida International Airport in Jewar. Parking will be maintained at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport. Planned regional routes include Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, and Dehradun. These routes fall under the government’s UDAN regional connectivity scheme.
Chairman Vishwakarma has made a notable promise to passengers. He stated that ticket prices would not be hiked during festive seasons. However, business-class fares may be slightly higher than competitors. The airline is currently awaiting final approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Industry Context and Competition
Shankh Air is one of three new airlines recently granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The Ministry of Civil Aviation approved this measure to boost competition. The other new entrants are Al Hind Air and FlyExpress.
- Al Hind Air is a Kerala-based regional commuter airline. It plans to operate ATR turboprop aircraft.
- FlyExpress is a Hyderabad-based venture with a focus on courier and cargo.
This push for new carriers follows recent operational disruptions. The disruptions were seen at the dominant carrier IndiGo. The chaos led to an investigation by the Competition Commission of India. It also caused a rollback of new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. The entry of new players like Shankh Air is viewed as a crucial step. It aims to improve resilience and choice for travelers in the world's fastest-growing aviation market.
International Ambitions
While the initial focus is domestic, the airline has long-term plans. Shankh Air aims to start international operations in the future. This expansion is tentatively planned for 2028 or 2029, if domestic growth is successful. The airline's strategy is not focused on the market share of competitors. Instead, it aims for self-improvement and service quality. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights. The carrier's ambition reflects the changing face of Indian entrepreneurship. It signals a new era of regional connectivity and affordable air travel.
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