The year 2025 is poised to be a remarkable milestone for Indian aviation, as the nation prepares to unveil three airlines within a few short months for the very first time.
With a growing number of airports and an increasing preference among passengers for air travel, the Indian aviation sector presents significant opportunities for airline companies. While existing airlines are working to expand their fleets and enhance connectivity both nationally and internationally, the current market expansion has also enticed new entrants into the airline industry.
Contrary to common perception, India actually boasts a total of 12 operational passenger airlines, consisting of five mainline carriers and seven regional operators. Nevertheless, the market share remains heavily skewed, with just two airlines serving over 90% of passengers. Yet, this landscape is anticipated to evolve with the introduction of Air Kerala, Shankh Air, and Alhind Air later this year.
All three airlines—Air Kerala, Shankh Air, and Alhind Air—were established in 2024 and are slated to commence operations in 2025. These emerging airlines have obtained the no objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and are currently in the process of securing the final air operator certificate (AOC) from the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Shankh Air- Uttar Pradesh’s First Scheduled Airline
Shankh Air is on track to become Uttar Pradesh’s inaugural scheduled full-service airline. The airline will operate from the soon-to-be-opened Noida Jewar International Airport and strives to connect major cities both within and outside UP, enhancing regional connectivity. As stated by the airline, the initial routes will encompass Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and significant metropolitan areas such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Shankh Air is aiming to lease its first narrow-body aircraft by the end of March, with plans to initiate operations with two leased aircraft. The airline intends to expand its fleet to five aircraft within the first year, in accordance with the stipulations set by the DGCA. Furthermore, the airline aims to broaden its reach into the international market by 2027. The chairman of the airline, Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, has reportedly committed $50 million in initial funding, while its parent company, M/s Shankh Trading Pvt. Ltd., has pledged $200 million for its launch and growth.
Two Airlines Will Take-Off From Kerala, Including India’s First Ultra Low-Cost Carrier
Kerala is set to emerge as a focal point for Indian airlines, as it prepares to welcome two new carriers—Air Kerala and Alhind Air—within this year. Both airlines will concentrate on meeting regional demands in the southern states and will expand their services to address international needs, particularly targeting the Gulf nations.
While both airlines are vying to introduce Kerala’s inaugural scheduled airline, Air Kerala is poised to become India’s first ultra low-cost carrier. It plans to commence its domestic operations in 2025 and international flights in 2026. The airline’s main objective is to link the state’s Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to key hubs, and it also aims to expand internationally to cater to the substantial Malayali expatriate community living in the Middle East.
The airline was initially envisioned by the state government in 2005 but failed to launch due to regulatory hurdles. Nevertheless, the private venture will be operated under Zettfly Aviation Pvt. Ltd., founded by UAE-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada, who currently hold the positions of chairman and vice chairman, respectively. The ultra low-cost carrier’s fleet consists of three ATR 72-600 aircraft, renowned for their fuel efficiency, which will be based at Cochin International Airport.
“Our goal is to make air travel an accessible option for a broader audience, thus aiding in the empowerment of local economies. We are thrilled to provide the most competitive fares, without sacrificing service quality and efficiency,” stated Ahmed.
At the same time, the Calicut-based Alhind Group, a prominent tour and travel agency, will make its entry into the aviation sector by launching Alhind Air as a regional commuter airline. The airline plans to expand to international routes, particularly to Gulf countries, within less than two years of its launch.
The airline will begin its operations from Cochin International Airport with a fleet of two ATR 72-600 aircraft, initially concentrating on delivering efficient domestic air travel. In the meantime, it intends to grow its fleet to seven aircraft within a year.
“With a vision to transform regional air travel, Alhind Air is ready to offer passengers an enhanced travel experience, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. This launch signifies a major advancement in addressing the changing demands of the aviation market and establishing a foundation for future growth,” remarked a spokesperson.
These airlines are set to make 2025 a landmark year for Indian aviation. The introduction of new airlines will also bring significant transformations in the industry, including improved connectivity, enhanced service quality, and competitive pricing. However, the launch dates for all these airlines are still pending, awaiting the necessary flyer permit from the DGCA.
February 2025 sees an 11.04% increase in domestic passenger traffic
Domestic air traffic reached 1.40 crore passengers, while international traffic experienced a growth of 14.8%. IndiGo led the market with a 63.7% share.
According to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), scheduled domestic airlines in India transported approximately 1.40 crore passengers in February 2025, up from 1.26 crore in February 2024. Market leader IndiGo maintained its stronghold with a 63.7 percent share, carrying 89.40 lakh passengers. The Air India Group, which includes Air India Express, followed closely with 38.30 lakh passengers, achieving a 27.3 percent market share.
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