Stake sale · Mobility & Logistics

IndiGo acquires stake in Sarla Aviation to enter electric air taxi market

By Startup Enthusiast · 16 April 2026

What they do

Sarla Aviation builds electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transport

IndiGo acquired a ₹10 crore stake in Sarla Aviation, marking its entry into the electric air taxi segment

Sarla Aviation's flagship product, 'Shunya', is expected to launch in Bengaluru by 2028 and can carry six passengers

IndiGo acquired a ₹10 crore equity stake in Sarla Aviation in January 2026, marking its entry into the electric air taxi segment.
Sarla Aviation is an Indian startup founded in 2023 that develops electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for urban transport.
The company's flagship product, 'Shunya', is designed to carry up to 680 kilograms and seat six passengers, excluding the pilot.
Shunya is expected to launch in Bengaluru by 2028 and operate using existing helipads at hotels, hospitals, and tech parks.
IndiGo's investment follows the collapse of its earlier non-binding partnership with Archer Aviation.

IndiGo's move aligns with its interest in emerging urban air mobility technologies.
The investment was made through IndiGo Ventures, the airline's venture capital arm.
Globally, other eVTOL startups have attracted airline backing, such as Joby Aviation with Delta Air Lines and Archer Aviation with United Airlines.

Sarla Aviation focuses on developing eVTOL aircraft for urban transport, specifically targeting the flying taxi market.
The company's flagship product, 'Shunya', is designed to operate using existing helipads at hotels, hospitals, and tech parks.
Shunya can carry up to 680 kilograms and seat six passengers, excluding the pilot.
The startup is based in Bengaluru and was founded in 2023.
Sarla Aviation had previously raised $10 million in January 2025 in a round led by Accel, with participation from Binny Bansal, Nikhil Kamath, and Sriharsha Majety.

Sarla Aviation plans to launch its flagship product, 'Shunya', in Bengaluru by 2028.

Product: air taxi startup
Customers: Urban air mobility operators and strategic aviation partners.
How it makes money: Develops and commercializes eVTOL aircraft and related air mobility technology.
What sets it apart: Building Shunya as an indigenous electric air taxi platform.