- 16 Aug, 2025
India's New Airline Alhind Air: Its New Routes and Connectivity 2025
Alhind Air, the new airline from Kerala, represents a significant addition and expansion in India's aviation industry. Launched by the Alhind Group of Kerala, this airline will serve as a new regional carrier in India. Alhind Air plans to commence operations by late 2025 and will establish its administrative and operational base in Kochi. Moreover, Shipa Bhatia, former SpiceJet CEO, has been appointed to the post of CEO of Alhind Air.
To mark its start without any hindrances, the airline has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), thus obtaining the final stage approval for the airline. Alhind Air is all set to initiate its first flight from its home base, Kochi International Airport.
Alhind Air and Its ATR Fleets
According to the announcement from Alhind Air, the first segment of its fleet will consist of two to three ATR 72 turboprop aircraft. The airline has chosen ATR (Regional Transport Aircraft) for its efficiency and sustainability for short-duration flights that can operate regionally across southern India.
However, the airline plans to invest between INR 200 and 500 crore in its first phase. It marked its rapid growth with up to seven ATRs within its first year of establishment. Moreover, Alhind Air plans to add over 20 aircraft over time, including Airbus A319 or A320 jets, enabling the airline to operate medium-haul and international flights.
Alhind Air and Its New Network Routes
As per the recent tweet made by Karnataka Airport, it has been confirmed that Alhind Air is planning to make its debut route as the Kochi—Bengaluru—Hubballi—Bengaluru—Kochi route. With the addition of Karnataka, Hubballi, Alhind Air expands to another underserved market and increases its portfolio.
By adding Karnataka to its route, the airline has signalled that it will not limit itself to Kerala. Alhind Air will operate its route to Hubballi from Bengaluru, which otherwise would be difficult to reach directly from Kochi.
According to the airline's statement, its initial network will link Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Thiruvananthapuram, Kannur, and Kozhikode. With this network strategy, the airline is trying to accommodate the clear regional gap in connectivity. Thus, the airline helps to provide faster and more frequent services to these destinations.
The airline also plans to start operations to international destinations within two years of its establishment.
Alhind Air and Its Future Scope in India
By initially focusing on Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities and routes, Alhind Air is trying to establish its foothold in the current Indian market, which IndiGo and Air India Express mainly operate in. Thus, it can be a good strategy for the airline to build its brand recognition before entering saturated trunk sectors.
Operating regional services with ATR 72 can also be a strategic step for the airline, as these aircraft are best suited to operating from short runways and can efficiently operate in regional locations where the infrastructure is limited.
Though it may be challenging for Alhind Air to operate in smaller markets and manage all the operational costs, various combinations of its strong financial backing with Alhind Group, experienced leadership like Shilpa Bhatia, and the strategic selection of the market will give a solid foundation to the airline.
Thus, it can finally be concluded that this new regional airline of India has great potential to connect regional destinations and grow tremendously in the country.
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