Akasa Air Celebrates Three Years in the Sky, Serving 19 Million Passengers

On August 7, 2025, Akasa Air, the newest low-cost airline in India, marked the third anniversary of its regular scheduled passenger flights. In a statement celebrating this milestone, the airline reflected on its remarkable growth journey since its inception, emphasizing three successful years of operations.

Akasa Air launched its first passenger service on August 7, 2022, utilizing a Boeing 737 MAX 8 on the route between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Over these 36 months, the airline has transported more than 19 million passengers, with an impressive eight million in just the last year alone. This indicates a robust acceleration in growth. The airline has reported a load factor exceeding 87%, suggesting increasing traveler confidence in its services both within India and beyond.

Throughout its three years, Akasa Air has reached significant operational milestones, demonstrating its commitment to growth and network expansion. The airline has completed over 100,000 total departures, including more than 3,800 international flights to various destinations outside India. Notably, it boasts the lowest cancellation rate and top-tier on-time performance in the Indian aviation sector.

In addition to its passenger services, Akasa Air has handled over 131,000 tonnes of cargo in the last three years, solidifying its role as a key player in India’s cargo ecosystem. The airline has also established partnerships with over 1,150 corporate clients, positioning itself as a preferred choice for business travelers in India.

Insights from the CEO

Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO of Akasa Air, shared, “Akasa was born out of a belief that building a great airline requires more than ambition; it requires discipline, purpose, and heart. In just three years, we have proven that it is possible to scale rapidly, deliver consistently, and stay deeply human in how we operate.”

He further noted, “We are not just growing fast; we are growing right, marked by our steadfast commitment to world-class safety and a focus on our customer experience. With over 19 million passengers flown and a dedicated team of more than 4,700 Akasians, Akasa is well on its way to becoming a notable institution in global aviation.”

Dube expressed pride in his team and appreciation for the trust shown by passengers and stakeholders, stating, “As we move forward, our aim is to build an airline that India can take pride in, ready to lead on the global stage.”

Current Status of Akasa Air

Akasa Air’s fleet has expanded to 30 aircraft, consisting of 23 Boeing 737 MAX 8s with 189 seats and seven MAX-8200s that accommodate 197 passengers each. Additionally, there are further orders for 97 MAX-8200s and 99 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in the pipeline.

Currently, the airline serves 28 destinations, including 23 within India and five international cities such as Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Doha, Riyadh, and Jeddah. In March 2025, Akasa Air took a significant step towards becoming a global player by entering its first codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways.

The airline’s expansion has been complemented by strong financial performance, registering a 49% increase in revenue year-on-year for the 2025 financial year. This growth is supported by rising demand and an expanding fleet and destination network, with capacity measured in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) growing 48% compared to the previous year.

During FY2025, the airline also secured agreements for new capital investment, pending necessary approvals. This funding is intended to enhance Akasa’s financial stability and support its long-term growth strategy in the evolving aviation landscape. Akasa’s approach, focused on cost leadership and prudent expansion, is set to ensure it thrives in a competitive market.