TBM Staff - Mumbai
Akasa Air has commenced operations in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, connecting it to Mumbai with daily direct flights. The inaugural flight on July 11, 2024, departed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 1705hrs IST and arrived at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi at 1850hrs AST.
At a special event held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to mark the maiden flight, a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of members of Akasa Air’s Executive Committee. The leadership of Mumbai International Airport Limited also attended the event, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight.
The launch of these flights offers travellers a dependable and affordable option for air travel between India and the United Arab Emirates. Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International, Akasa Air, expressed excitement about the new route, stating, “We are pleased to commence operations from Abu Dhabi, our fourth international destination. The daily direct flights connecting Mumbai and Abu Dhabi will provide affordable and convenient options for air travel and strengthen the ties between India and the UAE.”
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, highlighted the significance of this expansion, noting, “We are delighted to solidify our presence in the Middle East with direct flights between Mumbai and Abu Dhabi. This strategic expansion allows us to cater to the growing demand for air travel between India and the UAE with reliable operations and affordable fares.” Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, Akasa Air, added, “We are excited to bring the Akasa experience to Abu Dhabi. Our service excellence, unique culinary offerings through Café Akasa, and customisable holiday packages with Akasa Holidays promise a warm and memorable flying experience for our passengers.”
Since foraying into international skies in March 2024, Akasa Air has rapidly expanded its global footprint, operating flights to Doha, Riyadh, and now Abu Dhabi, with ticket sales open for Jeddah. The airline has also been granted traffic rights for Kuwait and Medina and will continue to expand its international network. Akasa Air’s commitment to service excellence and innovative offerings, such as live sports scores onboard, Quiet Flights for restful journeys, and inclusive services like Braille safety and menu cards, have made it a preferred carrier in India. The airline currently connects 22 domestic and four international cities and has served over 10 million passengers since its launch in August 2022.
