Shankh Air, India’s newest airline, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry, marking a major milestone in its journey to launch commercial operations. However, before officially taking to the skies, the airline must secure clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
Shankh Air is poised to become Uttar Pradesh’s first scheduled airline, with its operational hubs based in Lucknow and Noida. According to the company’s official website, the airline plans to connect major cities across the country, offering both interstate and intrastate routes, with a focus on regions that have high demand but limited direct flight options. As per their website, Shankh Air is preparing to launch its scheduled full-service twin-class operations using new-generation Boeing aircraft. The airline aims to soon connect Uttar Pradesh with all major cities and metropolitan areas across India.
In the ministry’s approval letter, the company was instructed to comply with all relevant provisions, including regulations from the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). The No Objection Certificate (NOC) granted to Shankh Air is valid for a period of three years.
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The airline’s entry into the market is expected to significantly enhance connectivity to regions currently underserved by air travel, improving regional mobility across India.
Shankh Aviation Pvt. Ltd., led by chairman Sharvan K. Vishwakarma, a young entrepreneur with a strong background in infrastructure and trading, is behind the venture. Vishwakarma’s ambition to make a mark in the aviation industry has resulted in the creation of Shankh Air, with operations launching from Uttar Pradesh’s capital, Lucknow.
Shankh Air will commence services with a fleet of new-generation Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, providing modern and efficient travel options.
Currently, IndiGo dominates India’s aviation sector, holding over 60 per cent of the market. Shankh Air’s entry could introduce new competition in the fast-growing aviation sector, offering passengers more choices for domestic travel.
