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DGCA issues NOCs to Akasa Air (expansion), Fly91 (regional), and a new low-cost consortium.
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Move comes as IndiGo battles fallout from pilot rest rule crisis, mass cancellations, and regulatory pressure.
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Expected to boost competition, regional connectivity, and capacity in 2026–27 as new carriers launch.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on December 24, 2025, granted initial approvals to three new airline applicants, paving the way for fresh entrants into India’s domestic aviation market at a time when flag carrier IndiGo continues to grapple with severe operational disruptions. The three entities — Akasa Air (expansion phase), Fly91 (regional focus), and a new low-cost carrier backed by a consortium of investors — received No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to commence the process of obtaining Air Operator Certificates (AOCs).