Two new Indian airlines, Shankh Air and AI Hind, are expected to delay their commercial launches by at least one year due to aircraft leasing disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict. According to reports from Essential Business Intelligence, the disruptions have adversely affected aircraft availability, forcing the carriers to postpone their initial launch timelines. The aviation sector is currently facing renewed headwinds due to the resumption of the war in West Asia, leading to erratic airfare, rising fuel costs and closure of airspaces along with the cancellation of flights.
The new airlines Shankh Air, AI Hind, and FlyExpress were granted no objection certificates (NOCs) in late 2025, marking their regulatory approval for commercial operations. As reported by Essential Business Intelligence, Shankh Air had originally planned to commence operations in September 2026, while AI Hind had similar launch timelines. The Uttar Pradesh-based Shankh Air is now targeting the fourth quarter of fiscal 2027 for its commercial launch, reflecting the broader challenges facing new carriers in securing aircraft during periods of geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions.
According to reports from Essential Business Intelligence, Shankh Air is currently in discussions with multiple aircraft lessors to secure the necessary aircraft for its operations. The airline's delay reflects the broader challenges facing new carriers in securing aircraft during periods of geopolitical instability and supply chain disruptions. The aviation space is also seeing a push from the Centre to adopt sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which according to airlines is costlier than conventional aviation turbine fuel (ATF).
