In a significant development, Akasa Air, the budget airline based in India, has been granted permission to expand its operations to international destinations, primarily targeting the Middle East. Citing insider sources, an ET report confirms this authorisation, marking a pivotal step in the airline’s growth strategy.
The next phase entails securing traffic rights, a process involving government allocation and approvals from partner countries. These rights are typically granted reciprocally between governments and their designated airlines.
It’s worth noting that existing routes connecting India to Middle East hubs like Dubai and Doha are already operating at full capacity, limiting airlines from increasing their flight frequencies.
Akasa Air’s move into international markets signifies a significant milestone, offering the airline opportunities for potentially more lucrative routes with reduced competition.
Moreover, extending flight routes enhances aircraft utilisation efficiency, as highlighted by Akasa Air CEO Vinay Dube in a recent interview with TOI.
He mentioned plans to launch international routes within the range of the 737 MAX, covering destinations in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
