Air Ayodhya, the regional airline being established by Megamax Aviation Private Limited under the Government of India’s Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN), has obtained a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, marking the first key regulatory milestone for the venture. Following the NOC, the airline will commence the certification process with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), after which commercial operations are expected to begin.
The carrier’s initial focus will be on the state of Uttar Pradesh, where it intends to connect tier‑2 and tier‑3 towns, pilgrimage centres and tourism destinations both with each other and with major hub airports. Operations are slated to start with brand‑new Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft, the first of which is scheduled for delivery in December 2026. As routes mature and passenger demand increases, Air Ayodhya plans to introduce 19‑seat aircraft and subsequently larger turboprop types on higher‑demand sectors.
Chairman and Managing Director of the Megamax Group, Rajesh Kumar Singh, said that receiving the NOC is an important step toward making air travel a practical choice for residents of Uttar Pradesh’s smaller towns, many of which have airports or airstrips but lack scheduled services. He expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Uttar Pradesh and indicated readiness to work closely with the DGCA in preparation for operations.
In the long term, Air Ayodhya aims to build a robust regional network comprising a fleet of 50 aircraft by 2036, employing a phased fleet model that starts with smaller aircraft to open new routes and adds larger aircraft as demand grows.
Megamax Aviation Private Limited, part of the diversified Megamax Group, currently provides religious tourism services for the Char Dham Yatra and private and medical charter services under the brand Aayo. The group also operates in information technology services and solar energy.
Media contact for further information is Peeush Mathur, Chief Operating Officer of Megamax Aviation Private Limited (peeush.mathur@megamaxaviation.com, +91‑9654125466). The press release was issued on Monday, 28 September 2026 at 10:45:37 IST.