India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector is adding Shankh Air, a new full-service airline based in Uttar Pradesh. The new airline is gearing up for its commercial launch in the first quarter of 2026.
The announcement comes amid government efforts to inject more competition into a market dominated by giants like IndiGo and the Air India Group, which together control over 90% of domestic traffic.
Promoted by Shankh Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and led by Chairman and Managing Director Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, Shankh Air aims to position itself as Uttar Pradesh’s flagship carrier. With a customer-first philosophy, the airline promises reliable, affordable full-service travel—complete with amenities like meals and baggage inclusion—targeting both business and leisure travelers.
The airline will primarily hub at the upcoming Noida International Airport (Jewar), strategically located to serve the Delhi-NCR region, while also operating from Lucknow. This dual-hub model will focus on enhancing intra-state connectivity within Uttar Pradesh—linking cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Prayagraj—as well as inter-state routes to major metros such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur.
Shankh Air’s entry is timely. India’s domestic aviation market is one of the world’s fastest-growing, but recent disruptions—including massive flight cancellations at IndiGo—have highlighted the risks of over-reliance on a handful of operators.
The Civil Aviation Ministry’s recent approval of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Shankh Air (already secured earlier) alongside newcomers Al Hind Air and FlyExpress signals a push for greater diversity and resilience.The airline plans to start with a fleet likely featuring Boeing 737 variants, with aircraft currently undergoing technical preparations for delivery to India. Vishwakarma has outlined ambitious growth, targeting a fleet of 20-25 aircraft within two to three years.
By prioritizing underserved routes and regional connectivity—supported by schemes like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik)—Shankh Air could play a key role in boosting tourism, business, and economic ties in Uttar Pradesh, home to iconic destinations like the Taj Mahal and Varanasi’s spiritual heritage.
As preparations accelerate, travelers can look forward to more choices, potentially competitive fares, and improved access to one of India’s most populous states.
With its Q1 2026 takeoff on the horizon, Shankh Air represents not just a new player in the skies, but a step toward a more balanced and vibrant Indian aviation sector.
Signpost News is an Imphal-based media house that focuses on delivering news and views from Northeast India and beyond.
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