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After the recent chaos in IndiGo operations which stranded passengers for several days across the nation the government has granted initial approval to two new airlines to start operations. The civil aviation ministry granted a no-objection certificate to regional airlines - Shankh Air Al Hind Air and FlyExpress - this week Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said in a post on X. He stated that the government is keen to encourage more competition in the country’s domestic aviation market. Over the last one week pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies—Shankh Air Al Hind Air and FlyExpress. While Shankh Air has already got the NOC from Ministry Al Hind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs in this week Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on X stated. He said that the government is keen to encourage more competition in the country’s domestic aviation market. Al Hind Air promoted by the Kerala-based Alhind Group intends to begin operations in southern India with a fleet of ATR Turboprop aircraft news agency IANS reported. It is in the process of obtaining an Air Operator Certificate. FlyExpress has also stated on its website that it was coming soon. Alhind Tours and Travel Pvt Ltd an Indian agency that has served customers for 33 years is preparing to enter the air transportation market. Alhind Tours and Travel is one of the largest full-service travel companies in the Middle East and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. From the beginning Alhind Tours & Travel has provided customers with complete management of travel and the execution of tour packages. Mohammed Haris T the owner and chairman of the Alhind Group of Companies. The company is located in Kozhikode Kerala. He has extensive experience in travel and tourism. According to information on the Alhind Group website the company was founded in 1992 as Alhind Tours and Travels Private Limited. Another notable member is P.V. Valsaraj who is listed as the Managing Director of the Alhind Group and has also contributed significantly to the companys growth. Haris founded this Kerala-based business and is currently its director. The business first began operating in India. But three years later in 1995 it started doing business abroad in the Middle East. The companys B2B (business-to-business) platform was introduced in 2014 and provides a variety of services such as booking hotels flights and visas. Dhanhind Utility Private Limited a platform that specializes in fintech travel and other services was subsequently introduced in 2020. Born in Calicut he completed his education with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts (BA History & Economics) and a Degree in Pharmacology. His experience in the travel and tourism industry is extensive. Not limited to this field he is presently holding the position of Founder General Secretary of the Indian Haj Umrah Association as well. Shankh Air is expected to follow with commercial operations next year. India’s domestic market is effectively functioning as a duopoly with IndiGo commanding as much as 65 per cent of the market while Air India is in the second spot with a 27 per cent share. Smaller airlines like SpiceJet and Akasa account for the remaining share.