What's happening with Adani Airline Plan Denied right now

Adani Group denied plans to enter airline business, calling reports baseless.

Adani Enterprises spokesperson said the company is not evaluating any proposal to launch an airline.

Denial came amid government discomfort with India's airline duopoly of IndiGo and Tata's Air India group.

Adani Group, which operates Delhi and Mumbai airports, has tied up with Embraer for regional jet manufacturing in India.

Adani is the largest private airport operator in India, running eight airports including Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Gautam Adani's group is considering launching a new airline, which could reshape competition in India's aviation market dominated by IndiGo and Air India.

The plan marks a strategy shift for the ports-to-cement group, which operates eight airports in India and has an $11 billion expansion strategy, but previously said it was not entering the airline business.

No final decision has been made; the group is evaluating whether to start an airline or buy a stake in an existing one due to the risky nature of the business.

Adani's thinking emerged after the Indian government privately nudged business groups to consider starting an airline, citing scrutiny of Air India since last year's crash and IndiGo's operational challenges.

Adani Airports plans to invest over $2 billion in airport-linked commercial districts, and the group has approached the government to dilute a clause restricting airport operators from holding stakes in scheduled airlines.

IndiGo MD Rahul Bhatia opposes airport operators owning airlines, calling it a 'massive conflict of interest'.

Bhatia said there is 'no global precedent' for airports owning airlines.

He raised concerns about fair allocation of critical infrastructure if such ownership is permitted.

The remarks follow reports that GMR and Adani groups are seeking to enter the airline business.