Al-Hind Air 2025-26: Owner, Launch Date, Routes & Fleet – India’s New Gulf-Focused Airline
✈️ Introduction: A New Bridge Between India and the Gulf
In a strategic push to diversify India’s aviation sector, the Government of India has approved three new airlines—Shankh Air, FlyExpress, and Al-Hind Air. Among them, Al-Hind Air stands out as the only airline with a clear international focus from day one, targeting the high-demand India–Gulf corridor that supports millions of Indian expatriates and remittances worth over $100 billion annually.
Backed by one of India’s largest travel conglomerates, Al-Hind Air is not just another startup—it’s a well-funded, market-ready airline with deep industry roots and an existing customer base of millions.
👤 Who Owns Al-Hind Air?
- Promoter: Mohammed Haris
- Parent Company: Al-Hind Group, Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala
- Group Founded: 1992 as Al-Hind Tours and Travels Private Limited
- Group Turnover: Approx. ₹20,000 crore annually
- Air Ticketing Revenue: ₹600 crore per month
- Key Markets: Gulf countries (60% of ticketing business)
Did you know?
The Al-Hind Group already handles travel logistics for hundreds of thousands of Indian workers heading to Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Kuwait every year—giving the airline a built-in passenger pipeline before its first flight.
📅 Launch Date & Operational Status (As of December 2025)
- Originally Planned Launch: June 2025
- Revised Launch: Early 2026 (due to regulatory delays with DGCA)
- Current Status:
- ✅ Approved by Ministry of Civil Aviation
- ✅ No Objection Certificate (NOC) from DGCA secured
- ⏳ Awaiting Air Operator Permit (AOP)
- First Flights Expected: Domestic sector (Q1 2026) → International (Q3 2026)
🛫 Route Network: South India to the Gulf
Al-Hind Air’s route strategy is two-phased, leveraging its travel group’s geography and customer data:
Phase 1: Domestic Connectivity (2026)
Operating from Kerala and South India:
- Kochi (COK) ↔ Bengaluru (BLR)
- Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) ↔ Chennai (MAA)
- Kozhikode (CCJ) ↔ Hyderabad (HYD)
Using ATR turboprop aircraft for short-haul efficiency under the UDAN scheme.
Phase 2: International Expansion (Late 2026 Onward)
Targeting Gulf destinations with Airbus A320 family jets:
- Kochi → Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait City
- Bengaluru → Abu Dhabi, Jeddah
- Chennai → Sharjah, Bahrain
These routes align with Vande Bharat Mission corridors and high remittance traffic zones.
✈️ Fleet Plan & Aircraft
- Initial Fleet (Year 1): 7 aircraft
- 3–4 ATR 72-600 (for domestic/regional routes)
- 3–4 Airbus A320neo/A321neo (for Gulf operations)
- Aircraft Source: Likely wet-leased initially, with direct orders possible by 2027
- Cabin Class:
- Economy (standard on ATR)
- Two-class (Economy + Business) on A320 for Gulf routes
- In-Flight Experience: Halal meals, Malayalam/Arabic support, family-friendly seating
🌍 Why Al-Hind Air Is a Game-Changer
- Existing Customer Base:
The Al-Hind Group’s travel, visa, and labor export network ensures immediate demand. - Gulf Market Expertise:
Unlike new entrants guessing demand, Al-Hind already books 60% of its tickets to the Gulf—a rare advantage. - Integrated Ecosystem:
The group also owns hotels, charter services, and logistics arms, enabling end-to-end travel solutions. - Focus on Kerala & Tamil Nadu:
These states send over 2 million workers abroad annually—Al-Hind Air will cater directly to them.
💼 Al-Hind Air Careers & Hiring (2025–2026)
Although the official careers portal is not yet live, recruitment has quietly begun:
- Pilot Hiring: Targeting ex-Gulf carrier pilots and Indian aviation academy graduates
- Cabin Crew: Preference for Malayalam, Tamil, Arabic, and English speakers
- Ground Staff: Roles in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru, and Chennai
- How to Apply (Interim):
- Email CVs to careers@alhindair.com (domain registered)
- Register via Al-Hind Tours & Travels branches in Kerala and Tamil Nadu
Expected Hiring Events:
- January 2026: Cabin crew selection drive in Kozhikode & Kochi
- February 2026: Engineering & flight operations recruitment in Bengaluru
🌐 Al-Hind Air Website & Digital Presence
- Official Domain: www.alhindair.com (registered; currently under construction)
- Current Status: No live booking engine
- Expected Features (2026):
- Online flight booking
- Visa & hotel combo packages
- Loyalty program (“Al-Hind Miles”)
- Real-time Gulf travel advisory
📊 Financial Strength & Investment
- Parent Group Turnover: ₹20,000 crore/year
- Estimated Airline Investment: ₹1,500–2,000 crore over 3 years
- Funding Model: Internal accruals + strategic partners (no external debt reported)
- Profit Strategy: High-frequency Gulf routes + bundled travel services
🏢 Leadership & Vision
- Founder & Chairman: Mohammed Haris
- CEO: Not yet announced (likely an aviation veteran with Gulf experience)
- Mission Statement:
“To connect the Indian diaspora with their homeland—safely, affordably, and with dignity.”
The airline’s branding is expected to emphasize community, faith (Hajj/Umrah support), and family travel.
(FAQs)
Q: Who owns Al-Hind Air?
A: Mohammed Haris, founder of the Al-Hind Group (Kerala).
Q: When will Al-Hind Air start flying?
A: Early 2026—domestic first, international by late 2026.
Q: Which cities will Al-Hind Air fly to?
A: Starts with Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, then Dubai, Riyadh, Doha, Muscat, Kuwait.
Q: How many aircraft does Al-Hind Air have?
A: None in service yet, but plans to operate 7 aircraft within the first year.
Q: Is Al-Hind Air a low-cost carrier?
A: Hybrid model—low-cost on domestic, full-service with business class on Gulf routes.
Q: Does Al-Hind Air have a Wikipedia page?
A: Not yet, due to its pre-operational status.
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