Shankh Airlines, a new Uttar Pradesh carrier backed by the state government, will launch in January 2026 with three Airbus A320 aircraft, linking Lucknow to Delhi, Mumbai, and UP cities to boost connectivity, jobs, and tourism.
Shankh Airlines enters India’s competitive aviation market with a focused strategy, deploying three leased Airbus A320neo aircraft from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow. Each plane seats about 180 passengers in an all-economy layout, prioritising efficiency on short-haul routes.
The inaugural phase targets high-traffic connections: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and key Uttar Pradesh destinations like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Gorakhpur.
This addresses the state’s booming air travel demand-Lucknow airport alone handled over 5.2 million passengers in 2025, a 25% rise from the previous year, driven by tourism and business.
Managing Director Sanjay Gupta highlighted the airline’s vision during a recent press briefing: “Shankh is not just about flights; it’s about making air travel affordable for the common citizen. We plan to create over 1,000 direct jobs in the first year, from pilots to ground staff, while spotlighting UP’s cultural gems.”
Ticket prices remain unannounced, but officials hint at competitive fares starting below ₹3,000 for Lucknow-Delhi, undercutting rivals like IndiGo and Air India Express. The fleet’s modern A320neos promise lower fuel costs and reduced emissions, aligning with India’s push for greener aviation.
Government Push for Regional Connectivity
Uttar Pradesh’s aviation ambitions underpin Shankh’s birth. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the project at the 2024 Global Investors Summit in Lucknow, positioning it as a cornerstone of the UP State Aviation Corporation.
“This airline will connect every corner of our state, fuelling economic growth and pilgrimage tourism,” Adityanath declared, linking it to the Ram Temple’s opening in Ayodhya, which drew 10 million visitors in its first year.
Aviation Secretary Abhishek Singh elaborated on expansion: “Phase one covers UP intra-state routes by mid-2026. By 2028, we aim for 20 aircraft and international flights to Dubai, Jeddah, and Kathmandu, catering to our diaspora.”
Infrastructure upgrades support this: Ayodhya’s new terminal handles 10 million passengers annually, while Lucknow’s second runway nears completion. Stakeholders, including local chambers of commerce, welcome the move.
UP Tourism Director Manoj Kumar Singh noted, “Shankh will slash travel times to heritage sites, boosting livelihoods for artisans and hoteliers.” Challenges persist, though—high aviation fuel taxes (40% of costs) and slot shortages at Delhi could test the startup.
Lessons from Past Ventures and Market Context
India’s low-cost carrier boom offers both inspiration and caution. IndiGo, which began with two planes in 2006, now dominates with 35% market share, proving regional starts can scale. Similarly,
FlyBig collapsed in 2024 amid funding woes, underscoring the need for steady capital. Shankh benefits from state backing-₹500 crore initial investment via public-private partnerships-mitigating such risks.
The timing aligns with national trends: India’s domestic air traffic hit 150 million passengers in 2025, per DGCA data, with tier-2 cities like Varanasi growing 40%. Post-COVID recovery, coupled with UDAN scheme subsidies for regional routes, creates fertile ground.
Opposition voices, including Congress leader Pawan Khera, have urged transparency: “State airlines must avoid losses like Air India once did-focus on passengers, not politics.” No major hurdles reported yet, but regulatory nods from DGCA are pending final clearance.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Shankh Airlines symbolises hopeful progress, weaving threads of connectivity that bind communities across Uttar Pradesh’s diverse tapestry-from bustling Lucknow to serene Ayodhya.
At The Logical Indian, we champion initiatives sparking empathy and coexistence, creating jobs for youth and easing pilgrim journeys that foster shared cultural heritage.
Yet true success demands affordability for all, sustainable practices to protect our skies, and inclusive growth that lifts rural voices alongside urban hubs. By prioritising dialogue among airlines, regulators, and citizens, Shankh can model harmony in a fragmented world.
