Govt Boosts Competition: Two New Airlines Get NOCs Amid IndiGo Woes

• Civil Aviation Ministry issued NOCs to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress this week, with Shankh Air receiving one earlier, to boost competition.
• Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the approvals on X, aiming to encourage new entrants in India's fast-growing aviation market.
• The move follows concerns over a duopoly and recent disruptions caused by IndiGo's schedule collapse.
• Naidu highlighted schemes like UDAN for strengthening regional connectivity via carriers like Star Air, India One Air, and Fly91.
• Industry experts warn of high operating costs, fuel prices, and taxes in India, making airline sustainability challenging despite new entrants.

Why It Matters: India approves new airlines to boost competition, but high operating costs remain a major hurdle.