AlHind Air plans domestic launch followed by UAE routes, aiming to boost competition after recent Indian aviation disruptions.
The UAE-based AlHind Group has received preliminary approval from Indian authorities to launch a new domestic airline, AlHind Air, marking the travel conglomerate’s entry into aviation operations.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation granted a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to AlHind Air this week, clearing a key regulatory step. The carrier plans to begin operations within India before expanding to international routes, with the UAE slated as its first overseas destination.
Founded in Kerala in 1992, the AlHind Group has grown into a global travel, tourism, and mobility enterprise with a strong presence across the Middle East. Chairman Mohammad Haris confirmed in an earlier interview that the airline will launch with three domestic flights and aims to begin international services once it operates 20 aircraft.
The announcement follows recent operational disruptions in the Indian aviation sector, including the cancellation of thousands of flights by carrier IndiGo, which stranded passengers globally—including delays of up to 10 hours for UAE travelers. Indian officials have since emphasized the need for greater competition in the domestic market.
AlHind Air will initially deploy ATR 72-600 aircraft for domestic routes across South Indian states such as Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Goa. For Middle Eastern routes, the airline plans to use Airbus A320 aircraft equipped with business-class seating.
A company spokesperson stated that AlHind Air will aim to keep ticket prices competitive while maintaining lean operations. The group already serves as a General Sales Agent for several Indian carriers in the UAE and operates across hospitality, money exchange, and business consultancy sectors.
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