Shankh Air Receives Approval to Launch as India’s Newest Airline

Shankh Air, India’s newest airline, has received approval from the Union Aviation Ministry to begin operations, marking a significant milestone as the first scheduled airline to originate from Uttar Pradesh. Before commencing flights, however, Shankh Air must obtain clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The ministry’s approval letter instructs the airline to comply with all relevant regulations, including those pertaining to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued is valid for three years.

Operational Plans and Fleet

With operational hubs planned for Lucknow and Noida, Shankh Air intends to launch services utilizing a fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. According to the company’s website, the airline aims to connect key cities across India, focusing on both interstate and intrastate routes to serve regions with high demand yet limited direct flight options.

Competitive Landscape in Indian Aviation

The entry of Shankh Air comes amid intensifying competition in the Indian aviation sector. Air India, the largest airline by market share, has made a comeback in August after experiencing a decline in July, increasing its market share by 40 basis points. Meanwhile, SpiceJet and Akasa Air reported declines of 80 and 20 basis points, respectively.

Passenger Traffic Trends

Data released by the DGCA on September 13 revealed that domestic air traffic in August grew by 5.7% year-over-year, reaching 1.31 crore passengers. However, traffic numbers saw a decline in August compared to May 2024, which recorded 1.38 crore passengers, with June and July also witnessing lower passenger counts.