!function(e,n,i,s){var d=”InfogramEmbeds”;var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,”script”,”infogram-async”,”https://e.infogram.com/js/dist/embed-loader-min.js”);

Kerala, India’s southernmost state, is set to take flight with the launch of Air Kerala, a new regional airline backed by Dubai-based entrepreneurs Afi Ahmed and Ayub Kallada.

The airline received its initial approval (NOC) from India’s civil aviation ministry over the weekend, paving the way for operations expected to begin in 2025.

Air Kerala aims to bridge the gap between smaller cities (Tier 2 and 3) and major airports (Tier 1 and metros). This improved regional connectivity is expected to boost tourism and trade in the state.

The airline will initially utilize three ATR 72-600 aircraft, focusing on domestic routes before expanding internationally.

The reason why Air Kerala can’t operate internationally is because of the 5/20 rule, set up by the Civil Aviation Ministry. This norm requires all national carriers to operate for 5 years with a minimum fleet of 20 aircraft to fly overseas.