The Indian civil aviation ministry has given initial approval to two new airlines, Al Hind Air and Fly Express, to start operations. This decision follows IndiGo's recent mass cancellation of 4,500 flights, which exposed the risks of limited competition in India’s fast-growing aviation market. Minister Ram Mohan Naidu confirmed on X that both airlines received 'no-objection certificates' this week. He said, "Over the last one week, pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies — Shankh Air, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress. While Shankh Air has already got the NOC from the Ministry, Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs this week." The government aims to encourage more competition in the domestic aviation sector. IndiGo dominates with a 65% market share, followed by Air India Group at 27%. Smaller airlines fill the rest of the market. Al Hind Air plans to operate in southern India using ATR Turboprop aircraft and is working on its Air Operator Certificate. Fly Express is also preparing to start soon, with a “coming soon” banner on its website. In 2026, Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air, which already has a No Objection Certificate, is likely to launch flights. Al Hind Air is backed by the Kerala-based Alhind Group. Since 2020, India has approved six new airlines. Current major carriers include Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, Alliance Air, Akasa Air, SpiceJet, Star Air, Fly91, and IndiaOne Air, according to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).