Akasa Air

Akasa Air is an ambitious Indian low-cost carrier that has burst onto the aviation scene with a mission to make air travel accessible and comfortable for all sections of society. Based in dynamic Mumbai, the company positions itself as a reliable partner for travelers who value a combination of reasonable pricing and high-quality service. The carrier’s slogan, "It’s Your Sky," highlights its commitment to creating a warm, inclusive, and friendly atmosphere for every passenger on board.

Brief Overview and History. Akasa Air is India's youngest major airline, founded in 2021 and commencing commercial flights in August 2022. The launch of the carrier was a significant event for the Indian market, demonstrating impressive growth rates: in just its first year of operation, the airline transported millions of passengers and significantly expanded its fleet. The brand focuses on efficiency, technology, and empathy towards customers, striving to become the country's most reliable airline.

Flight Geography. Akasa Air's route network focuses on connecting key metropolises with tier-2 and tier-3 cities, ensuring a high frequency of flights to popular destinations. From its hub in Mumbai and other nodal airports, the carrier operates regular flights to major centers such as the national capital Delhi, the technology hub Bengaluru, and historically significant Kolkata. The schedule also extensively features flights to Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad, allowing tourists and business travelers to easily construct complex itineraries within India.

Fleet and Sustainability. One of the company's points of pride is its fleet, consisting exclusively of the newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 liners. These aircraft are distinguished by fuel efficiency and reduced noise levels, making Akasa Air the owner of one of the "youngest" and most eco-friendly fleets in the world. Cabin interiors are equipped with softer seats featuring adjustable headrests and built-in USB ports for charging gadgets, which is not always found in the budget travel segment.

Values and Service. The company promotes a culture of respect and care. This is reflected even in the crew's uniform: flight attendants wear comfortable sneakers and clothing made from recycled materials, symbolizing a rejection of rigid formalism in favor of comfort and mobility. On board, the Café Akasa service operates, offering a diverse menu that includes healthy snacks and hot meals reflecting the culinary traditions of India's regions.

Safety. Despite its status as a low-cost carrier, Akasa Air adheres to the strictest international safety standards. The use of brand-new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, equipped with advanced avionics and monitoring systems, allows for the minimization of technical risks and ensures high flight regularity.

Contacting Akasa Air representatives is quite simple, as the airline positions itself as a modern digital carrier. Primary interaction with passengers occurs through online channels and the mobile app, although a contact center operates around the clock to resolve urgent issues.

Official Website and Digital Services

All current information, booking management, and online check-in are available on the web portal: www.akasaair.com

Contact Details

• Website: www.akasaair.com
• Customer Support (Akasa Care Centre): +91 9606 112 131 (international number, operates 24/7).
• Email: info@akasaair.com (for general inquiries, feedback, and suggestions).
• Mobile App: Akasa Air (available for download in major app stores).

Social Media

The airline actively maintains pages on social media, where it publishes news about sales and schedule changes. You can find their official accounts on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Offices and Representatives

• Head Office: Urmi Estate, Tower A, 12th Floor, 95, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel (W), Mumbai, 400013, India.
• Airport Counters: Branded Akasa Air check-in and information counters are located in the departure terminals of all served airports (for example, in Delhi and Bengaluru).

Emergency Support

The Akasa Care Centre telephone line (+91 9606 112 131) operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If your flight is canceled or delayed, it is recommended to call this number immediately or use the chatbot on the official website.

Please note: Contact details, office addresses, and operating hours may change. We strongly recommend checking the latest information on the airline's official resource before traveling.

Understanding baggage rules is key to a stress-free start to your journey. Akasa Air, as a modern low-cost carrier, offers transparent conditions for transporting belongings, though these may vary depending on the selected fare and route. To avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport, we recommend reviewing the allowances in advance.

Cabin Baggage

Standard restrictions for budget airlines apply on Akasa Air flights. Each passenger (except infants) is allowed to bring on board free of charge:

• One piece of cabin baggage weighing no more than 7 kg. The dimensions of the bag must not exceed 55 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm (including wheels and handles) so that it fits easily into the overhead bin.
• One personal item (ladies' handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack), which must fit freely under the seat in front of you.

If your cabin baggage exceeds the established weight or size limits, it will have to be checked into the cargo hold for an additional fee, charged according to airport rates.

Check-in Baggage

Free baggage allowances depend on the booking class (fare) and flight direction:

• Domestic flights within India: The standard allowance for most economy class fares (e.g., Saver) is 15 kg per passenger (maximum 1 piece). For more expensive fares (Flexi), the limit may be increased.
• International flights: If you are flying out of the country, for example to Jeddah, baggage allowances may differ and often range from 20 to 30 kg. Always check the information on your e-ticket.

Important: The weight of a single suitcase must under no circumstances exceed 32 kg due to occupational health and safety rules for baggage handlers.

Excess Baggage

If your belongings weigh more than allowed, the airline charges a fee for each extra kilogram. The most cost-effective way to pay for excess weight is to do it online via the Akasa Air website or mobile app no later than 2 hours before departure. Rates when paying directly at the check-in counter at the airport (for example, departing from the hub in the city of Mumbai) will be significantly higher.

Special Baggage and Sports Equipment

The transport of non-standard items, such as musical instruments (guitars, violins), sports equipment (golf clubs, diving gear, skis), or large video cameras, is regulated by separate rules:

• Bulky items are considered "Oversized Baggage" and are subject to a Handling Fee.
• Musical instruments can be carried in the cabin if an Extra Seat is purchased for them, or checked in as baggage in a hard case.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For flight safety, strictly observe the rules for separating items:

• Cabin Baggage Only: Power banks (portable chargers), lithium-ion batteries, electronic cigarettes, valuable documents, jewelry, and fragile electronics. Checking these items into luggage is prohibited.
• Check-in Baggage Only: Any sharp or cutting objects (knives, scissors), tools, sports bats, liquids in containers larger than 100 ml.
• Strictly Prohibited: Explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gases, and, specifically for India, dried coconut (copra), as it is considered a fire hazard cargo.

Tips for Effective Packing

To ensure your flight goes smoothly, follow these simple recommendations:

• Weigh your suitcases at home with a scale before leaving for the airport to avoid stress at the check-in counter.
• Remove old baggage tags with barcodes from previous trips so the sorting system does not send your suitcase on a false route (for example, to Delhi instead of Bengaluru).
• Place a sheet with your name and phone number inside the suitcase in case the external tag gets torn off.
• Use a bright ribbon or cover to quickly identify your luggage on the carousel.

Traveling with a pet is an important moment for many owners, and Akasa Air (QP) strives to make this experience as comfortable as possible through its friendly "Pets on Akasa" policy. The airline allows the transport of domestic cats and dogs both in the aircraft cabin and in the cargo hold, understanding that animals are full-fledged family members.

Transport Options

In the Cabin (Cabin Baggage)

This option is ideal for small pets that can stay with you throughout the flight.

• Carrier Dimensions: A soft, ventilated bag no larger than 29 cm x 29 cm x 44 cm (exact parameters are best clarified before departure).
• Maximum Weight: Up to 7 kg (total weight of the animal together with the carrier).
• Allowed Animals: Only domestic dogs and cats at least 3 months old.
• Limit per Passenger: One passenger may carry only one pet in one carrier.
• Placement: The container must be placed under the seat in front of you; taking the animal out during the flight is prohibited.

In the Cargo Hold (Checked Baggage)

For animals that exceed the weight limits for the cabin, transport in a specially equipped compartment is provided.

• Container Requirements: A hard crate complying with IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards, with a secure lock, ventilation, and sufficient space for the animal to stand and turn around.
• Weight Limits: Animals weighing from 7 to 32 kg (including the crate) are generally accepted.
• Conditions: The baggage compartment is ventilated and pressurized, but it is important to consider weather conditions at the departure and arrival airports.
• Preparation: Absorbent material must be placed on the bottom of the crate.

As Cargo (For Large Animals)

If your pet is very large or you are sending it unaccompanied, the Cargo service is used.

• When Required: If the total weight of the animal and crate exceeds 32 kg or if the breed requires special transport conditions.
• Special Requirements: Reinforced crates (metal or wooden) and additional processing of the air waybill.
• Booking Procedure: Prior coordination with the Akasa Air cargo department is required several days before departure.

Necessary Documents

To check in for the flight, you will need to provide a full package of documents (originals and copies):

• Veterinary Passport: With current data on the owner and pet.
• Health Certificate: A certificate from a veterinarian confirming that the animal is healthy and fit to fly (usually must be issued no earlier than 24–72 hours before departure).
• Vaccinations: Valid vaccination against rabies and other diseases (administered at least 30 days and no more than 1 year before the travel date).
• Indemnity Form: A filled declaration (Indemnity Bond) releasing the airline from liability for the pet's health.
• International Certificates: For international flights, for example to the city of Jeddah, additional import/export permits may be required.

Service Costs

Pet transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid separately according to fixed rates (prices are indicative):

• In the Cabin: A fixed fee per segment (e.g., around 5,000 INR on domestic flights).
• In the Cargo Hold: The cost is higher and depends on the weight of the crate and the route (e.g., a flight Mumbai — Bengaluru will cost differently than a longer flight).
• As Cargo: Charged by weight and volume according to cargo rates.

Preparation Tips

• Accustom your pet to the carrier or crate in advance (several weeks before the flight) to reduce stress levels.
• Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but ensure access to water until the moment of handover to baggage.
• Place a favorite toy or item with the owner's scent in the crate for comfort.
• Be sure to attach a tag with contact details and the animal's name to the collar and the crate itself.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport for safety reasons:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic dog and cat breeds (snub-nosed, e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are often not permitted for transport in the cargo hold due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Aggressive Animals: Animals showing aggression are not permitted to fly.
• Health Condition: Pregnant females, animals under 3 months old, or sick pets.
• Exceptions: Service dogs and guide dogs are usually carried free of charge in the cabin provided they have appropriate certificates and a muzzle.

Important: Pet transport rules may change. We strongly recommend contacting the Akasa Air contact center or visiting their office to clarify details and book a spot for your pet at least 48 hours before departure.

Akasa Air Loyalty Programme

Currently, Akasa Air (QP) is in a phase of active growth and has not yet launched its own classic loyalty programme with mileage or point accumulation. The carrier, whose main hub is in the city of Mumbai, focuses on providing the most affordable fares for all passengers immediately, following its philosophy "It’s Your Sky," instead of creating a complex hierarchy of elite statuses.

Service Levels (Fare Plans)

Since the airline does not yet have traditional "Gold" or "Silver" cards, fare families serve as the equivalent of privilege levels, which the passenger selects when purchasing a ticket:

• Saver (Basic): The entry-level equivalent. Offers the lowest price, includes only the flight and cabin baggage (plus standard check-in baggage, if applicable). Seat selection and meals are paid separately.
• Flexi (Advanced): The equivalent of an elite level for a single flight. Includes free standard seat selection, a complimentary meal from the Café Akasa menu, priority services, and minimal fees for date changes or flight cancellations.

How to Earn Bonuses

In the absence of its own mileage currency, passengers can benefit through third-party tools:

• Flights: Direct accrual of miles by the airline for kilometers flown or dollars spent is currently not performed.
• Bank Cards: It is recommended to use credit cards from Indian or international banks with cashback functions or point accumulation in the "Travel" category to pay for tickets.
• Partner Platforms: Booking flights through major travel aggregators may allow you to accumulate loyalty points from the aggregator platform itself.

How to Use Privileges

Since there are no classic miles to exchange for a free ticket, the reward system works through direct savings and access to services:

• Low Fares: The main reward for choosing Akasa Air is the ticket price, which is often lower than competitors on popular routes (for example, to Delhi or Bengaluru).
• Café Akasa: Funds saved on the ticket can be spent on board by ordering unique regional cuisine dishes or healthy food.
• Comfort Upgrade: The price difference can be used to purchase "Priority Check-in" or a seat with extra legroom.

Alliance Participation

Akasa Air is an independent budget carrier.

• Alliance: The airline is not a member of global alliances (such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam).
• Partners: At the moment, the company does not have codeshare agreements with international airlines, which is worth considering when planning complex connecting itineraries.

How to Join

Although loyalty cards are not issued, frequent customers are recommended to create a user account:

• Go to the official website www.akasaair.com.
• Click the "Sign Up" or "Register" button.
• Creating a personal account will allow you to book tickets faster, manage trips, and be the first to know about private sales and promotions.

Travel with Akasa Air is built around the concept of affordable comfort. The airline has consciously opted out of a complex class system to offer a unified high standard of service for all passengers at a reasonable price. Regardless of whether you are flying a short route to Delhi or embarking on a longer journey, you can count on a modern cabin and attentive service from the crew.

Travel Classes

Akasa Air operates on the classic Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) model, so only Economy Class is featured on board the aircraft. You will not find separate Business or First Class cabins here. However, the airline offers flexibility in choosing the level of comfort within the cabin:

• Standard Seats: Comfortable seats with an ergonomic design.
• A++ Seats (Enhanced Comfort Seats): Rows with extra legroom (usually the first row and emergency exit rows). These can be booked for an additional fee for greater convenience, which is especially relevant on international flights, for example, to Jeddah.

Seat Configuration and Amenities

The company's fleet consists of the newest Boeing 737 MAX 8 liners with a 3-3 seat layout (three seats on the left, three on the right). The interior of the Akasa Air cabin compares favorably with many competitors:

• Modern Seats: Recaro seats with softer padding and adjustable headrests are used, providing good neck support during sleep.
• USB Ports: One of the carrier's main "features" is the presence of USB sockets for charging gadgets at every seat. You can charge your smartphone or tablet throughout the flight.
• Space: The seatback design is optimized to give passengers more knee room than in older aircraft models.

Food and Beverages (Café Akasa)

As with most budget airlines, in-flight meals on Akasa Air are not included in the base ticket price but are available for purchase. The in-flight catering service is called Café Akasa and deserves special attention due to its menu variety:

• Wide Selection: The menu features sandwiches, rolls, hot meals, desserts, and healthy snacks. The company often introduces seasonal dishes timed to coincide with Indian festivals.
• Beverages: Hot tea, coffee, juices, and soft drinks are available. Alcohol is not served on domestic flights.
• Pre-order: It is recommended to order hot meals in advance (via the website or app) at least 12–24 hours before departure to guarantee the availability of your chosen dish and save money compared to purchasing on board.

In-flight Entertainment

The airline does not install individual screens in seatbacks to reduce aircraft weight and, consequently, ticket prices. Wi-Fi on board is currently not provided either. Passengers are advised to download movies, music, or books to their personal devices in advance. Thanks to the USB ports, you don't have to worry about battery drainage while watching your favorite series on the way to Bengaluru or another city in the route network.

Special Services

Akasa Air strives to be an inclusive airline and offers a range of services for passengers with special needs:

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Wheelchair Assistance is provided from the check-in counter to boarding the aircraft. The service must be requested at least 48 hours before departure.
• Traveling with Infants: Special seat belts are provided for passengers with children under 2 years old. There are changing tables in the lavatories on board.
• Unaccompanied Minors: The airline may provide an escort service for children traveling without parents, however, conditions and age limits should be clarified directly before booking, as rules may change.

Akasa Air's route network is dynamically developing, covering key destinations across India and gradually expanding to the international level. The carrier's main hub is Mumbai airport, which serves as the starting point for numerous flights connecting major metropolises and important regional centers.

To ensure your journey with Akasa Air goes as smoothly and cost-effectively as possible, we have prepared a series of practical recommendations. Whether you are flying on a business trip to Mumbai or for a holiday, these tips will help save time and money.

Best Time to Buy Tickets

Akasa Air is known for its competitive prices, but the most advantageous fares are generally available when booking early. The optimal time to purchase tickets for domestic flights within India is 30–45 days before departure. If your dates are flexible, try to choose departures in the middle of the week (Tuesday or Wednesday): demand on these days is usually lower than on Friday or Sunday, which favorably affects the cost.

How to Find Discounts and Special Offers

Do not limit your search only to aggregator sites. Often the "tastiest" prices are hidden directly on the airline's official channels:

• "Offers" Section: Regularly check the promotions page on the Akasa Air website. Promo codes for cardholders of certain banks or discounts on specific routes, for example, to Bengaluru or Delhi, are often published there.
• Special Fares: If you are a student, senior citizen, or military personnel, pay attention to concessionary ticket categories. The airline often offers discounts for these groups of passengers, which include additional benefits such as an increased baggage allowance.

Web Check-in

In modern Indian airports, online check-in is not just a convenience, but practically a mandatory procedure. For Akasa Air, it opens 48 hours and closes 60 minutes before departure.

• Check in via the website or app to select a seat and receive a digital boarding pass.
• Save the boarding pass on your phone. In some airports, showing it from the screen is sufficient, while in others (for example, in small regional hubs), a printout or obtaining a paper copy at a self-service kiosk may be required.
• If you have not checked in online, an additional fee may be charged for this service at the airport counter.

Seat Selection on the Plane

Since all flights are operated on Boeing 737 MAX, the cabin is quite comfortable, but choosing the right seat matters. If you want to exit the plane faster upon arrival, for example, to make a meeting in the city of Kolkata, choose seats in the front of the cabin (rows 1–5). For lovers of beautiful views and tranquility, window seats in the tail section, where it is often less crowded, are suitable.

Akasa Air Mobile App

Downloading the branded app is one of the best ways to simplify your trip. It allows you to:

• Track flight status in real-time and receive notifications about gate changes.
• Order food from the Café Akasa menu and add extra baggage in just a couple of clicks.
• Store all boarding passes in one place, which is especially convenient for connecting flights.

Travel Insurance

When booking a ticket, the airline often offers a travel insurance option for a small surcharge. We recommend not neglecting this opportunity, especially during the monsoon season (July–September), when weather-related flight delays are possible. Insurance will help compensate for expenses in case of flight cancellation, loss of luggage, or medical issues during the trip.

The story of Akasa Air is an inspiring example of how a modern airline can go from an idea to one of the most notable players in the market in just a couple of years. Founded in the era of post-pandemic recovery, the company became a symbol of the revival of Indian civil aviation, betting on efficiency, eco-friendliness, and sincere care for passengers.

Founding and Early Years

Akasa Air was founded in December 2021 by a group of aviation industry veterans led by Vinay Dube. A key role in the birth of the brand was played by the legendary Indian investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala, whose belief in the project and financial support allowed the airline to get a powerful start. The main idea was to create a budget carrier (Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier) that would simultaneously offer passengers a warm and friendly attitude, breaking stereotypes about the rigid service of low-cost airlines. Mumbai, the financial heart of India, was chosen as the headquarters.

First Flight and Route Launch

The historic moment arrived on August 7, 2022, when the first Akasa Air flight departed from Mumbai to Ahmedabad. This event marked the beginning of a new era. The network expansion strategy was aggressive and precise: the company rapidly connected metropolises. In a very short time, flights were launched to Bengaluru and the national capital — Delhi. A feature of the launch was that Akasa Air did not just enter the market but created a high frequency of flights on key routes, immediately declaring itself as a reliable partner for business people.

Fleet Evolution

The development of Akasa Air's aircraft fleet can be called phenomenal. The airline bet on unification by choosing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 family. This decision ensured high fuel efficiency and reduced operating costs. Starting with two aircraft in August 2022, the carrier set itself an ambitious goal — to add a new liner to its fleet every two weeks. Thanks to this pace, Akasa Air became one of the fastest-growing airlines in the history of civil aviation.

Key Milestones and Expansion

One of the major milestones in the company's history was crossing the 20-aircraft mark less than a year after commencing operations. According to Indian law, this achievement grants a carrier the right to operate international flights. Akasa Air did not miss this opportunity, and soon its first international destination appeared in its schedule — Jeddah, which allowed connecting India with Saudi Arabia and entering the global market.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Unlike many competitors, the story of Akasa Air is a story of organic growth. The company did not participate in mergers or acquisitions of other airlines. Its entire success is built on creating a business "from scratch," forming its own unique corporate culture, and direct orders of new equipment from manufacturers, without inheriting old problems or debts from other market players.

Modern Developments and Innovations

Today, Akasa Air continues to introduce innovations that distinguish it from others:

• Eco-friendly Uniform: The company was the first in India to introduce a crew uniform created from recycled plastic bottles, and instead of uncomfortable shoes, flight attendants wear stylish sneakers, which highlights the focus on comfort and mobility.
• On-board Technology: Understanding the needs of the modern traveler, Akasa equipped every seat with USB ports for charging gadgets, which is a rarity for the budget segment.
• Major Orders: In early 2024, the airline confirmed its long-term intentions by placing an order for another 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, guaranteeing its presence in the Indian skies for decades to come.