New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- On 23 December, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, India's minister for civil aviation, posted an update on social media site X. It sparked endless speculation and fuelled a narrative of hope.

"Over the last one week, pleased to have met teams from new airlines aspiring to take wings in Indian skies," Naidu wrote. "While Shankh Air has already got the NOC from ministry, AlHind Air and FlyExpress have received their NOCs in this week," he added. The post was accompanied by three photographs showing five individuals associated with the three airlines.

NOC is short for no-objection certificate, the first step and a preliminary clearance before an airline obtains an air operator certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of...