According to policy, in the scheduled commuter airline category, you can start with a small fleet with a low budget. Many regional airlines have also started operations with just two or three aircraft.

IndiGo flights continue to be canceled or delayed across the country. Passengers are facing significant inconvenience due to the frequent flight cancellations. Today, December 9th, IndiGo announced the cancellation of more than 100 flights. IndiGo has cancelled more than 4,500 flights in the past seven days. Regarding the problem of IndiGo flight cancellations, the government has now stated that some of IndiGo's flights will be reduced, and some of the flights will be given to other airlines. Union Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu warned IndiGo in Parliament that an investigation has begun and the government will take strict action. Following IndiGo's flight cancellations, the question of how to start an airline company and the minimum number of planes required to start one has once again come into sharp focus.

How much does it cost to start an airline in India?

The aviation market is one of the most expensive businesses in the world. Starting an airline requires high costs, from purchasing or leasing planes to hiring staff, technical teams, airport slots, ground setup, maintenance, fuel costs, and meeting all DGCA regulations. India's aviation sector is the ninth largest in the world and contributes over ₹18.32 lakh crore to GDP each year. Therefore, starting an airline in India requires an initial investment of at least ₹500 to ₹1500 crore. This figure can vary depending on the airline's size, routes, fleet, and business model.

How many planes are required to start an airline?

According to the policy, the scheduled commuter airline category allows for a small fleet with a low budget. Many regional airlines have also started operations with just two or three aircraft, including FLY91 and Jettwings. However, starting a large national airline requires a significant amount of fleet size and investment.

Companies lease planes to start an airline

Airlines are the biggest expense. Most airlines worldwide initially lease aircraft rather than purchasing them, as a single plane can cost several hundred crores of rupees. Leasing aircraft is often more cost-effective. However, leasing aircraft also involves a significant monthly payment.

What is the airline licensing process?

Starting an airline in India requires several approvals from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These approvals include an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), security clearance, pilot and technical staff qualification checks, and safety audits. This entire process is completed in several steps and can take anywhere from 18 months to three years. Furthermore, even after receiving the license, the airline is required to maintain consistent safety and service standards.