Deepinder Goyal, co-founder of the food delivery platform Zomato, is venturing into the regional air travel sector in India through LAT Aerospace, an aerospace startup co-founded by Surobhi Das. This move aims to transform a segment that remains underdeveloped, with challenges including regulatory hurdles, limited technological advancement, and low public adoption.
According to Das, regional air travel in India is still largely inaccessible and inefficient despite the country’s extensive network of over 450 airstrips—only 150 of which currently operate commercial flights. Many people in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities endure long journeys by road or rail due to the lack of affordable and frequent air connectivity. This untapped potential represents a significant opportunity for innovation.
LAT Aerospace’s vision is to offer “buses in the sky”—affordable, high-frequency flights connecting overlooked destinations. Their aircraft will operate from compact “air-stops” no larger than parking lots, located close to residential areas to eliminate traditional airport hassles such as long security lines and crowded terminals. This approach aims to provide seamless, convenient regional air travel across India.
