KOCHI — India has granted initial regulatory approval to Al Hind Air, paving the way for the launch of a new regional carrier aimed at strengthening competition and improving connectivity in the country’s fast-growing aviation market.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to Al Hind Air, which is based in Kerala and promoted by the Alhind Group, enabling the airline to move ahead with licensing and operational preparations. The approval comes as India looks to diversify its aviation sector following recent large-scale flight disruptions at IndiGo, the country’s largest carrier.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government is encouraging new entrants to build resilience in the aviation ecosystem and offer passengers greater choice, particularly on regional routes that remain underserved by major airlines.
Al Hind Air plans to operate turboprop aircraft, focusing initially on short-haul and regional services, especially across southern India. The airline is expected to support India’s regional connectivity push by linking smaller cities with major aviation hubs.
The clearance comes amid growing concern over market concentration in Indian aviation. IndiGo currently controls around 65% of the domestic market, while the Air India Group accounts for most of the remaining share. Policymakers believe the entry of new regional airlines such as Al Hind Air can help reduce dependence on a handful of dominant operators and improve service reliability.
Al Hind Air’s entry aligns with New Delhi’s long-term strategy to expand regional air travel, boost competition and strengthen domestic connectivity under initiatives such as the UDAN regional connectivity scheme, as India’s aviation market continues to rank among the world’s fastest growing.
India has granted regulatory approval to Al Hind Air, a new regional airline based in Kerala, to enhance competition and connectivity in the aviation sector. The move aims to diversify the market, reduce reliance on dominant carriers like IndiGo, and improve service reliability, particularly on underserved regional routes.