Akasa Air Adds UAE as Third International Destination
India's youngest airline expands its international network with new daily direct flights connecting Mumbai and Abu Dhabi
Akasa Air Launches Daily Flights to UAE, Marking Third International Destination
New Delhi: India’s youngest airline, Akasa Air, has launched daily direct flights to the UAE. This marks the airline’s third international destination.
Inaugural Flight Details
The inaugural flight departed from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Friday. It is scheduled to arrive at the Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Statements from Akasa Air Executives
Neelu Khatri, co-founder and senior vice president (International) of Akasa Air, expressed her enthusiasm about the new route. She said, “We are pleased to commence operations from Abu Dhabi. The launch of daily direct flights connecting Mumbai and Abu Dhabi will provide affordable and convenient options for air travel. This will strengthen the air travel links between India and the UAE.”
Praveen Iyer, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Akasa Air, highlighted Abu Dhabi’s significance as a destination. He noted, “Home to a strong Indian diaspora and known for its unique tourist experiences, Abu Dhabi has become a popular destination. Its burgeoning trade prospects attract business travelers from across the globe.” He added that this strategic expansion will help Akasa Air meet the growing demand for air travel between India and the UAE with reliable operations and affordable fares.
International Expansion
Akasa Air ventured into international operations in March 2024. In addition to Abu Dhabi, the airline currently operates flights to Doha and Riyadh. It has also started ticket sales for flights to Jeddah. The airline has been granted traffic rights for Kuwait and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
Current Network
Akasa Air now connects 22 domestic and four international cities. Its domestic destinations include Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Port Blair, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, and Gorakhpur. The international cities it serves are Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), and Abu Dhabi (UAE).
Strategic Goals
This expansion is part of Akasa Air’s broader strategy to establish a strong international presence while continuing to serve key domestic routes. By enhancing connectivity and providing more options for travelers, Akasa Air aims to solidify its position in the competitive airline industry.
