Kochi-based airline Alhind Air has placed approximately 120 employees on leave without pay, citing delays in obtaining the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), according to media reports.
The decision, which takes effect from 15 November 2025, was initially communicated verbally to employees last month. A formal written notice was issued recently after some staff members requested official confirmation.
In its communication, the airline stated that salaries would not be paid during the leave period, invoking a “no work, no pay” policy. Alhind Air said it is awaiting the DGCA’s approval to commence commercial flight operations, without which revenue generation is not possible.
The development comes shortly after the airline received a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, a key regulatory step preceding the issuance of the AOC.
According to reports, the company informed employees that the prolonged certification process has placed significant financial strain on operations. The airline reportedly incurs monthly salary expenses of around ₹2 crore, which it said has become difficult to sustain in the absence of commercial activity.
Employees have been told they will be notified once the AOC is granted. They have also been asked to return official devices and company-owned assets to the human resources department during the leave period.
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