Uttar Pradesh’s First Airline 'Shankh Air' Set To Take Off, To Operate From Lucknow And Noida Hubs With Boeing Fleet

India's aviation sector is preparing for the entry of a new player as Shankh Air, the first scheduled airline from Uttar Pradesh, has received approval from the Civil Aviation Ministry.

The No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued to the airline is valid for three years.

With hubs in Lucknow and Noida, Shankh Air plans to operate interstate and intrastate routes.

According to its official website, the airline aims to connect major cities across India, improving regional mobility and enhancing air connectivity in underserved regions.

Having secured an NOC from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shankh Air is now set to seek its airline license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

The airline's launch is expected to boost connectivity in regions with fewer air travel options.

Shankh Air plans to operate from its Lucknow and Noida hubs, initially using three Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to link major metro cities across the country.

India, now the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, continues to thrive. In FY24, India handled 376 million passengers, reflecting a 15 per cent year-on-year increase in air traffic.

Forecasts for the current fiscal year remain optimistic, with domestic traffic expected to grow by six to eight per cent and international traffic by nine to eleven per cent, according to CAPA India, an aviation advisory firm.

With domestic air travel penetration still at just 10 per cent, the Indian government is pushing for further expansion.

The Udega Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAAN) scheme, designed to boost regional connectivity, will continue for another decade, adding hundreds of new airports to the nation’s aviation infrastructure.