Govt Clears Two New Airlines: Al Hind Air, FlyExpress to Boost Competition

• Union Ministry of Civil Aviation granted NOCs to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, aiming to dismantle India's aviation duopoly.
• The move follows IndiGo's operational collapse, which exposed risks of market concentration by IndiGo and Air India Group.
• Al Hind Air, backed by Alhind Group, will operate as a regional commuter from Kochi with ATR 72-600 aircraft.
• FlyExpress, a Hyderabad-based venture, is set to enter the passenger segment, diversifying the competitive landscape.
• Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, with an existing NOC, plans 2026 operations using Boeing 737-800 to connect UP cities with metros.

Why It Matters: New airlines Al Hind Air and FlyExpress aim to enhance competition and affordability in Indian skies.