Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) grants NOCs to three new airlines to increase competition and lower flight costs

Key facts

• The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has given no objection certificates (NOCs) to three airlines – Al Hind Air, FlyExpress and Shankh Air – to provide more choice for consumers and bring down the cost of flights.
• Shankh Air, which aims to be the leading full-service airline of Uttar Pradesh, plans to launch its flight services around the first quarter of 2026.
• Al Hind Air, owned by the Kerala-based Alhind Group, has an initial investment between Rs 200 and Rs 500 crore and will focus on domestic and regional travel using ATR 72-600 model aircraft.
• FlyExpress, which received its NOC from the MoCA, is reportedly backed by a courier and cargo services company from Hyderabad.
• To begin operations, these carriers must next get an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) by proving they have financial backing, aircraft, and trained crew.