Two new airlines get wings.

Air travellers are set to have more options as three new domestic airlines prepare to launch operations. Two carriers - A1 Hind Air and Fly Express - received their No Objection Certificates from the civil aviation ministry this week, while Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air; which already has an NOC, is likely to begin flights in 2026.

The development gains significance following IndiGo's operational meltdown in early December, which drew sharp criticism over apparent duoply in India's domestic aviation market.

The ministry wants to encourage more airlines in Indian aviation sector, which is amongst the fastest growing international aviation markets.

A1 Hind Air is being promoted by Kerala-based a1hind Group which was founded in the 1990s. Schemes like UDAN, have enabled smaller carriers Star Air, India One Air and Fly91 to play an important role in the regional connectivity within the country and there is further scope for growth.

Currently, there are nine operational domestic carriers in the country :-

       * Air India

       * Air India Express

       * IndiGo

       * Alliance Air

       * Akasa Air

       * SpiceJet

       * Star Air

       * Fly91 and

       * IndiaOne Air

Tailpiece.

A quiet Sunday.