From Food to Flight: Zomato’s Deepinder Goyal Charts a New Course with LAT Aerospace

In a bold pivot from food delivery to flight paths, Zomato co-founder Deepinder Goyal has announced his foray into the aviation sector with LAT Aerospace—a startup aiming to revolutionize regional air travel in India. The venture, co-founded with former Zomato executive Surobhi Das, seeks to address the long-standing inefficiencies in India’s short-haul aviation network by offering affordable, high-frequency flights to underserved regions.

 

Here’s a detailed look at the vision, strategy, and potential impact of this ambitious new venture.

 

What’s Driving the Vision

 

Goyal and Das were inspired by their frequent travels across India, often frustrated by the lack of accessible regional flights  

India has over 450 airstrips, but only about 150 are currently used for commercial operations  

Millions in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities still rely on road or rail for long-distance travel, often spending days in transit  

LAT Aerospace aims to unlock this latent aviation potential by connecting smaller towns with compact, low-cost air services  

 

The LAT Aerospace Model: Buses in the Sky

 

The startup envisions aircraft operating from compact air-stops—no larger than a parking lot—located closer to residential and commercial zones  

These air-stops will eliminate the need for traditional airport infrastructure, security lines, and long commutes  

The goal is to offer a walk-in-and-fly experience, drastically reducing travel time and cost for regional passengers  

LAT Aerospace is positioning itself as a disruptor, much like low-cost bus services transformed intercity travel  

 

Funding and Founding Structure

 

LAT Aerospace has reportedly raised $50 million in initial funding, with Goyal contributing $20 million of that total  

Goyal serves as the Non-Executive Founder, while Das leads operational strategy and team building  

The startup is actively hiring aerospace engineers, systems designers, and aviation professionals to scale its vision  

 

Challenges and Opportunities

 

Regulatory approvals, airworthiness certifications, and public adoption remain key hurdles  

However, the venture aligns with India’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme, which promotes regional air connectivity  

If successful, LAT Aerospace could redefine short-haul travel in India, much like Zomato reshaped food delivery  

 

As LAT Aerospace prepares for takeoff, Deepinder Goyal’s latest venture signals a new era of mobility—one where the sky is no longer a luxury, but a lifeline for India’s next billion travelers.

 

Sources: The Hindu Business Line, Rediff Money, Financial Express, Moneycontrol, LinkedIn (Surobhi Das) June 2025