Tue Sep 24 18:46:56 UTC 2024: ## New Airline Shankh Air Takes Flight in India, Targeting Underserved Routes

**New Delhi, India -** India’s aviation sector is set to welcome a new player with the launch of Shankh Air, which has received permission from the Union Aviation Ministry to begin operations. The airline, which aims to connect major cities across India with both interstate and intrastate routes, will focus on areas with high demand for direct flights but limited availability.

Shankh Air’s inaugural flight will take off from Uttar Pradesh, with operating hubs in Lucknow and Noida. The airline plans to utilize a fleet of brand-new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.

The Ministry’s approval letter highlights the need for Shankh Air to comply with relevant regulations, including those pertaining to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and other applicable rules.

The airline has been granted a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for three years.

**India’s Booming Aviation Market**

This launch comes amidst a rapidly growing aviation market in India, which has become the third-largest domestic market globally. In the fiscal year 2024, the country saw 376 million passengers, with annual growth averaging 15%. Further growth is expected, with domestic air traffic predicted to reach between 161 and 164 million passengers this year.

While IndiGo remains the dominant player with a 63% market share, the entry of new airlines like Shankh Air and Akasa Air, along with the expansion of Air India and Fly91, indicates a competitive landscape.

The addition of Shankh Air promises to provide more options for travelers and further boost the already thriving Indian aviation sector.

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