'Adani lying brazenly to BSE over airline plans'

A purported letter from Adani Airports to the Airports Authority of India, shared by TMC MP Mahua Moitra on X, claims the airport operator is seeking permission to invest in, establish, acquire, own, promote or control a scheduled airline. This request contradicts Adani Group's July 24 denial of airline plans disclosed to the BSE and NSE.

Moitra alleged that Adani Group was "lying brazenly to Stock Exchanges", highlighting the discrepancy between the letter and Adani's denial. The letter from Adani Defence & Aerospace, part of the Adani Group, mentions evaluating participation in the airline business as a "natural extension of the Adani Group's broader commitment to the aviation ecosystem".

The letter also states that Adani entities are "constrained from pursuing airline operations and obtaining an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)" despite having the capability and strategic intent. Adani seeks permission to directly or indirectly invest in or acquire a Scheduled Airline, as well as for such an airline to obtain and maintain an AOC.

The group argues that a new airline operator would increase competition, reduce concentration risk, and strengthen overall sector resilience. It also claims the proposal aligns with the Ministry of Civil Aviation's policy to encourage new airline entrants and expand aviation capacity. Regional connectivity benefits are expected, particularly in underserved Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Adani Group, India's largest private airport operator, manages eight airports, including Mumbai International Airport, and has expanded its presence in the aviation value chain. However, it has ruled out any plans to enter the airline business due to potential conflicts of interest, as acknowledged by IndiGo's Managing Director Rahul Bhatia. Government officials have suggested any changes would include safeguards for operational separation between airport and airline businesses.