Two new airlines - Al Hind Air and FlyExpress - are set to take to the skies after receiving their no objection certificates (NOCs) from the civil aviation ministry.
More new flights in Indian sky
In 2026, Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, which has already secured its NOC, is also expected to begin operations.
Al Hind Air is being promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group. The ministry has been keen to encourage new airline operators as India continues to be among the world's fastest-growing domestic civil aviation markets.
He said the ministry has consistently encouraged new entrants in Indian aviation. Schemes such as UDAN have enabled smaller carriers like Star Air, IndiaOne Air and Fly91 to play an important role in regional connectivity, with more scope for growth.
Apart from IndiGo and the Air India Group, other scheduled carriers include Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, Fly91, IndiaOne Air, and state-owned Alliance Air, according to DGCA data.
In recent years, airlines such as Go First and Jet Airways ceased operations amid mounting debt woes.