Uttar Pradesh is set to welcome a new airline this year, with Shankh Air preparing to commence operations in the second half of January 2026. Founded by entrepreneur Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, the airline is among three new carriers recently cleared by the central government, a move aimed at increasing competition in India’s aviation sector.
Shankh Air plans to position itself as a full-service carrier catering primarily to middle-class and first-time flyers. Initial operations will focus on connecting Lucknow with major metros such as Delhi and Mumbai, alongside services to key destinations within Uttar Pradesh. Regional routes under the UDAN scheme are expected to include Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Varanasi, Chitrakoot, and Dehradun, along with select interstate connections like Indore.
The airline will begin with a fleet of three Airbus aircraft, with two additional planes scheduled to join within the following few months. Its operational base will be the upcoming Noida International Airport at Jewar, while aircraft parking will be managed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Shankh Air is backed by Shankh Trading and has outlined plans to keep fares competitive, with a strong emphasis on service quality. International operations are being considered in the longer term, potentially around 2028 or 2029, subject to performance and regulatory clearances. Ticket sales are yet to open, with final launch timelines dependent on approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
The entry of Shankh Air follows approvals granted to Al Hind Air and FlyExpress, signalling renewed momentum in India’s aviation landscape and a broader push to strengthen regional and interstate air connectivity.
