Shankh Air ready for takeoff: All you need to know about India's new airline

Shankh Air, owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the ministry, valid for three years.

In Short

• Shankh Air gets Civil Aviation Ministry nod
• NOC issued, needs DGCA clearance
• First scheduled airline from Uttar Pradesh

India's aviation sector is set to welcome a new airline, Shankh Air, as it recently received approval from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to begin operations.

Shankh Air, owned by Shankh Aviation Private Limited, has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the ministry, valid for three years.

However, the airline must still obtain clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the country’s aviation regulator, before it can begin flying passengers.

Shankh Air is positioned as a full-service airline and will be the first scheduled airline to originate from Uttar Pradesh.

According to the company's plans, its main hubs will be based in Lucknow and Noida, providing connections to major cities across India. The airline intends to operate both inter-state and intra-state routes, with a particular focus on cities with high demand and limited direct flight options.

“Shankh Air is inviting aviation professionals and aspiring professionals to apply for the most interesting full-service airline start-up from the heartland of Uttar Pradesh, connecting India," said the airline on its website.

Shankh Air is led by its chairman, Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma, an entrepreneur with a vision to bring new ideas to India’s aviation sector.

The airline aims to stand out by offering competitive pricing, reliability, and a strong focus on passenger comfort. According to its mission statement, the airline is committed to providing passengers with a seamless flying experience.

In terms of aircraft, Shankh Air is in advanced talks with global lessors to secure a fleet. Initially, the airline plans to operate new-generation Boeing 737-800NG narrow-body planes.

In June this year, Shankh Air chairman Sharvan Kumar Vishwakarma met with Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu to discuss the airline’s strategic direction.

Earlier, in March, the co-founders and management team of Shankh Air met with Christoph Schnellmann, CEO of Noida International Airport, and Kiran Jain, the airport's COO.

During the meeting, they discussed a potential partnership that would support Uttar Pradesh’s broader initiative to enhance air connectivity across the state.

The ministry's letter of approval directed the airline to comply with rules regarding foreign direct investment (FDI) and regulations set by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi).

While Shankh Air has obtained initial clearance to begin preparations, it must still receive operational approval from the DGCA.