Will New Airlines AlHind Air and FlyExpress Lower UAE-India Airfares?

December 28, 2025 at 09:24 AM•3 min read

India's Ministry of Civil Aviation granted No Objection Certificates to AlHind Air and FlyExpress, raising hopes for increased competition and lower airfares on high-demand UAE-India

Key Points

1India's Ministry of Civil Aviation granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to AlHind Air and FlyExpress to increase competition in the domestic and international markets.
2The UAE-India route is India's busiest international market, making it a primary target for AlHind Air's planned international expansion after domestic launch.
3The new capacity is expected to put downward pressure on airfares, particularly on high-demand South India routes, but the actual impact depends on flight frequency and seat availability.

The landscape for UAE-India air travel is poised for a significant shift.

India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) recently granted initial clearance to two new carriers. AlHind Air and FlyExpress have received their No Objection Certificates (NOCs). This move is a crucial first step toward launching commercial flights. The approvals signal the government's push to boost India aviation competition.

The Promise of Lower Airfares

The announcement has sparked optimism among travelers in the UAE. Many hope the entry of new airlines will ease high ticket prices. The UAE-India route is one of the world's busiest international air corridors. Industry data shows the Middle East is the largest destination for international traffic from India. The United Arab Emirates alone accounts for India’s busiest international market.

Travel industry experts remain cautiously optimistic about the impact. They note that any real change in UAE-India airfares depends on operational details. Prices may fall once more seats become consistently available. The current high demand for flights to major Indian cities remains strong. This is especially true for routes connecting to South India.

AlHind Air and FlyExpress: Operational Plans

AlHind Air is backed by the Kerala-based Alhind Group. The airline plans to launch domestic services first. Its initial focus will be on routes across Southern India. The carrier intends to operate ATR 72-600 aircraft, a turboprop model. The airline has confirmed plans to expand internationally to the UAE. This will happen once all regulatory requirements are met.

FlyExpress, the second new airline, also received an NOC. It is a Hyderabad-based enterprise. Reports suggest it has a background in cargo and courier operations. Both carriers must still obtain an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This final certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is mandatory.

Market Dynamics and Capacity

The Indian domestic aviation sector is currently dominated by a few major players. IndiGo and the Air India Group control the vast majority of the market share. The government's decision to clear new airlines India aims to diversify the ecosystem. This will improve service resilience and passenger choice. Increased international flight capacity is essential for the UAE market. Routes to South India, including Kerala and Tamil Nadu, see year-round high demand. This is due to the large expatriate population in the UAE.

Risk: The full effect on fares is uncertain until flight frequency is known.
Opportunity: The new capacity could significantly lower prices on popular South India routes.

Travel agents advise customers to maintain realistic expectations for now. They recommend booking early and staying flexible with travel dates. Updates on the launch and specific routes will be key for travelers following commercial aviation news [https://flying.flights]. The situation will become clearer once the airlines begin operations. Until then, the promise of lower fares remains a future possibility.