Friday, December 26, 2025 | Dubai, UAE [ Posted at 5:22 PM, Updated on 7:30 PM]
The aviation sector of India is set to welcome new competition as Flyexpress and Alhindair from UAE move a step closer to launching their commercial operations in India. Moreover, the Indian civil aviation ministry has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to both airlines. Hence, it marks a significant development for the fast-growing and highly concentrated aviation market of the country.
India Grants Initial Nod to New Airlines
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed the clearances in a post on X. He states that Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have reached their NOCs this week, allowing them to proceed with further regulatory requirements, including securing Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).
The announcement comes after meeting with teams from Al Hind Air, FlyExpress and Shankh Air. However, Shankh Air is another proposed carrier that already received clearance and is expected to launch in 2026.
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Why the Flyexpress and Alhindair from UAE Move Matters Now?
The decision comes against the backdrop of major operational disruptions earlier this month when IndiGo cancelled around 4,500 flights due to crew planning issues connected to updated duty time limitation rules. Thousands of passengers were stranded, which highlights the risks associated with market concentration.
As of now, IndiGo controls around 65 per cent of the domestic market of India. However, Air India Group holds about 27 per cent. Hence, it left limited space for smaller players in the country. So, the entry of new airlines is seen as important as improving resilience, passenger choice and regional connectivity.
What We Know About Al Hind Air?
The airline has plans to operate as a regional commuter airline in India. However, it is promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, which has a strong presence across the UAE and the Gulf region. According to its official website, the carrier will start operations with ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft. Initially, it will only focus on southern India.
It will be based in Kochi. Moreover, the airline will work closely with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to establish its operational hub. Currently, Al Air Hind is in the process of obtaining its AOC, which is a mandatory step before scheduled services.
FlyExpress Plans Still Under Wraps
Besides Al Hind Air, FlyExpress is the second airline to receive clearance. Moreover, the airline has confirmed that it is preparing to launch operations soon. However, details regarding its fleet, routes and operational base have not yet been formally disclosed. Industry experts have noted that the emergence of Flyexpress and Alhindair from UAE business groups shows growing cross-border interest in the aviation growth story of India.
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Government Push for More Competition
Minister Naidu said the government is actively motivating new entrants. Moreover, he described India as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. Additionally, he credits policy initiatives like the UDAN regional connectivity scheme for enabling smaller airlines such as Star Air, Fly91 and IndiaOne Air to expand services.
India has already granted permits to six new air operators since 2020. As of now, there are nine scheduled domestic airlines, even as the sector has seen exits like Jet Airways and Go First due to financial stress.
What’s Next
Flyexpress and Alhindair from UAE are expected to move closer to launch over the next year because they have regulatory clearances in place. Therefore, it could potentially ease concerns of a duopoly in the country. In addition, it could also strengthen competition in the Indian aviation market, which is a development that investors and travellers in the UAE. However, it could take some time to happen.
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