Aviation Ministry Approves Two New Airlines After IndiGo Disruptions

Aviation Ministry Approves Two New Airlines

News:The Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted no-objection certificates (NOCs) to two new airlines—Al Hind Air and FlyExpress—to boost competition in India’s aviation sector following IndiGo’s major operational disruptions in December.

The move aims to reduce market concentration and expand consumer choice in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said the government is actively encouraging new entrants, alongside initiatives like UDAN that have supported regional carriers. However, industry experts caution that approvals alone won’t fix structural challenges such as high aviation fuel taxes, operating costs, and thin profit margins.

The push follows IndiGo’s cancellation of nearly 4,500 flights over 10 days due to crew shortages under new DGCA fatigue rules, highlighting the risks of over-reliance on a few dominant carriers.

Source: Logisticsinsider