Emerging carrier Air Safa has reached the final stage of India’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) process, bringing it closer to securing approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The startup confirmed a preliminary meeting with the regulator this month, marking a key step toward its planned debut in South India’s fast-growing aviation market.
Positioning itself beyond a conventional airline, Air Safa plans to establish a modern Aviation Hub at Tiruchirappalli (TRZ) Airport. The hub will integrate training, maintenance, operations, and digital aviation services, offering a full-spectrum platform for airlines and aviation professionals. This multi-pronged model aims to strengthen India’s indigenous MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) capacity and advance aviation skill development, aligning with the government’s Make in India vision.
Air Safa’s entry comes amid heightened competition, with carriers such as Al Hind Air and Air Kerala also preparing for launch. Trichy, a key gateway for Gulf routes and intra-South India traffic, provides strategic access to high-demand regional and international markets. By combining airline operations with infrastructure development, Air Safa hopes to carve a unique niche and add momentum to India’s expanding regional aviation landscape.
