Alhind Air Revolutionizes Indian And UAE Tourism: Affordable Flights Set To Transform Regional Travel

Published on December 28, 2025

Alhind Air, a new project of the Dubai-based Alhind Group, is going to be a game changer in the aviation industry of India and the UAE. Alhind Group, possessing more than thirty years of experience in travel and tourism, is moving into the airplane industry with Alhind Airlines, and its main area of focus will be on regional connectivity. The carrier is going to be the link between the major business centers and less-frequented domestic airports, starting off with domestic flights in India where Kochi in Kerala will be linked to all the major metro cities.

New Airline Approved to Lift Regional Connectivity

India’s civil aviation ministry has recently granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to Alhind Air, enabling the airline to prepare for formal operations. This move comes as the government seeks to diversify a sector traditionally dominated by a few carriers, notably IndiGo and the Air India Group, which together account for more than 90 per cent of domestic market share.

Alhind Air will initially focus on domestic regional services from Kochi International Airport, deploying three ATR‑72 turboprop aircraft. ATR‑72s are well suited to short‑haul routes connecting smaller cities and underserved regional airports, filling gaps in the current network and opening up travel options for passengers in southern India and beyond.

The airline’s official website confirms plans to start operations later this year, with a roadmap that could see expansion both across India and into international routes once further regulatory approvals are secured.

How Alhind Air Will Strengthen Local Aviation

The launch of Alhind Air is significant for the Indian aviation sector at a time when domestic air travel demand is booming and competition has been limited. By operating from a base in Kerala, the airline is poised to enhance regional connectivity in the south, linking cities that have historically lacked direct air links. Connecting Kochi with cities such as Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and beyond will not only reduce travel time but also support tourism growth and business travel.

With its fleet focused initially on turboprop operations, Alhind Air is expected to complement existing carriers by serving tier‑2 and tier‑3 markets, a crucial junction for improving domestic access and decentralising flight traffic from congested hubs. This strategy aligns with government policies under the UDAN scheme that aim to democratise air travel across India’s diverse geography.

Backed by Established Travel Expertise

Alhind Air benefits from the decades‑long travel industry experience of the Alhind Group, which was founded in Kerala in the early 1990s and later expanded into the Gulf, especially Dubai and the wider UAE market. Today, the group operates over 130 travel and tourism branches globally, offering flight booking, holiday packages, visa services and more.

This corporate legacy means Alhind Air enters the aviation field with a ready customer base and industry insight. The group’s travel portal has long handled ticket bookings for major carriers; now transitioning those travellers to its own airline could offer passengers a seamless travel experience from booking to boarding.

Strategic Importance for the India–UAE Corridor

The India–UAE corridor is one of the busiest international travel routes, with millions of expatriates commuting between the two regions each year. High seasonal airfares and capacity constraints have been persistent concerns for both leisure and business travellers. The entry of Alhind Air promises to introduce price competition and new service options, thereby addressing some of the supply‑demand imbalances in this vital route.

By leveraging its Dubai presence, Alhind Air is well positioned to tap into the expatriate market and provide direct links that reflect real traveller needs. Although initial operations will centre on domestic routes, the airline’s broader strategy anticipates future international services that could further strengthen connectivity between southern India and the UAE.

Economic Impact and Aviation Sector Growth

Economists and aviation analysts have noted that allowing new carriers like Alhind Air into India’s aviation ecosystem is a positive step towards reducing the concentration risk that comes with a duopoly. The recent crisis involving cancellations by IndiGo highlighted how vulnerable the aviation network can be when dominated by a small number of players, prompting regulators to encourage greater competition.

As local airlines proliferate, the competitive landscape is expected to spur more affordable airfares, increased frequency of services, and a higher quality of traveller experience. New carrier launches also tend to stimulate job creation, from pilots and cabin crew to ground staff and operational personnel, further driving growth in the aviation and travel sectors.

Looking Ahead: Broader Travel and Tourism Benefits

For the Kerala tourism industry and India’s broader travel economy, the arrival of Alhind Air could be transformative. Enhanced air links make it easier for both domestic and international tourists to explore cultural destinations, religious tourism circuits and commercial centres. The airline’s focus on connecting regional airports also means smaller cities along the network will benefit from improved accessibility, drawing business investment and facilitating local trade.

While final approvals and commercial launch preparations continue, anticipation within the aviation community remains high. For many passengers, the prospect of flying on a new airline launched by a trusted travel brand represents both excitement and a fresh chapter in the story of India’s civil aviation growth.

Bottom Line

To sum up, Alhind Air entering the market is not just a corporate milestone, it is a sign of improved connectivity, increased competition, and a valuable expansion of travel options for millions of people traveling between India and the UAE. The airline will first operate from Kochi and then move to other locations; the carrier’s success might serve as a model for other regional airlines to transform aviation and bolster travel across the region.