Shankh Airlines is set to commence commercial flight operations in the first half of January 2025, marking the entry of a new domestic airline into India’s aviation market. The airline will begin operations with an initial fleet of three Airbus aircraft, with Lucknow serving as its primary hub.
According to Chairman Shravan Kumar Vishwakarma, the first phase of operations will focus on connecting Lucknow with major metropolitan cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, along with select destinations across Uttar Pradesh. The airline plans to gradually expand its domestic footprint as its fleet grows.
Shankh Airlines has also lined up near-term fleet expansion. Two additional aircraft are expected to be inducted within the next one-and-a-half months, which will allow the airline to add more routes and increase flight frequencies.
The airline has outlined a longer-term roadmap that includes nationwide expansion followed by the launch of international operations between 2028 and 2029. Vishwakarma stated that the current focus remains on stabilising domestic operations before moving overseas.
Positioning itself as a carrier aimed at middle-class and first-time flyers, Shankh Airlines intends to keep fares competitive and avoid seasonal price hikes during festivals. The chairman said the airline wants to change the perception of flying as a luxury and promote it as an accessible mode of transport.
On the financial front, Vishwakarma confirmed that the airline has full backing from its parent company. Aircraft have been acquired through lease and finance arrangements with external firms, and the company does not face any funding constraints at present.
Shankh Airlines also expects to generate employment opportunities as operations scale up. The airline’s launch comes at a time when India’s domestic aviation market continues to see steady passenger growth and rising demand for regional connectivity.
