Akasa Air expands network capacity by 22%, strengthening connectivity across domestic and international markets

National, 1st April 2026: Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, announced a significant expansion of its network and capacity as part of its Summer 2026 schedule, further strengthening its position as a key player in the Indian aviation landscape. Compared to Summer 2025, the airline will record a 22% year-on-year increase in departures and a 37% year-on-year rise in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKm) [a measure of how much passenger-carrying capacity the airline is offering], reflecting its disciplined approach to capacity deployment. 

This network expansion represents a 6% increase in departures and a 9% rise in ASKm compared to the winter schedule, underscoring Akasa Air’s continued focus on building a robust and well-balanced network that offers travellers greater convenience, connectivity, and choice. 

Commenting on the expansion, Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “India’s aviation sector is witnessing sustained structural growth.  Demand is no longer limited to traditional metro corridors but increasingly being driven by emerging and regional markets. Our Summer 2026 schedule reflects a thoughtfully calibrated approach to network development, aligning capacity with evolving demand patterns. 

As we introduce new routes and augment frequencies across key sectors, our endeavour is to create a network that is both coherent and scalable, linking major population centres while progressively expanding access to emerging markets. This disciplined expansion allows us to grow sustainably while upholding the reliability, operational integrity, and service excellence that define the Akasa experience. 

Key highlights reflect enhanced connectivity across all corners of the country: 

West India: Building a strong presence at Navi Mumbai’s new aviation gateway

Akasa Air commenced operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport in December 2025 and continues to strengthen its presence, with the airport emerging as an integral node in the airline’s growth journey. In the summer schedule, Akasa Air will introduce new routes connecting Navi Mumbai with Lucknow 2X daily and will ramp up frequency to Varanasi to 2X daily, strengthening connectivity between western India and key economic and cultural centres across the country. 

North India: Scaling connectivity from the national capital

Akasa Air continues to deepen its presence in Delhi, with a 50% year-on-year increase in departure, reflecting robust demand from the national capital. The airline will further enhance connectivity on the high-demand Delhi–Mumbai corridor, ramping up frequencies to 5x daily. The schedules have been designed to offer greater flexibility and convenience for both business and leisure travellers. 

East India: Kolkata emerges as key gateway

Akasa Air will introduce new routes connecting Navi Mumbai with Kolkata 1X daily. With this addition, Akasa Air is expanding its footprint in Eastern India, where Kolkata is fast emerging as a key gateway. Departures from Kolkata will increase by 22% year-on-year and 6% compared to the winter schedule, further enhancing connectivity across the east. 

South India: Strengthening footprint from Bengaluru

In southern India, Bengaluru continues to play a pivotal role in Akasa Air’s network growth, with new connectivity to Darbhanga 1X daily and additional daily frequency to Bhubaneswar, further strengthening links between southern and eastern India. 

Bolstering international connectivity

Akasa Air currently operates to six international destinations and will expand its global connectivity during the year. In the Summer Schedule 2026, the airline will increase departures across the Middle East, including Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, supporting strong travel demand between India and the Gulf region. 

Akasa Air’s continued growth reflects its disciplined strategy and long-term commitment to strengthening connectivity across India and beyond. As the airline steadily expands its network and operations, it is emerging as a credible and competitive force within India’s rapidly growing aviation landscape. 

Akasa Experience

Akasa Air’s empathetic and youthful personality, employee-friendly culture, customer-service philosophy, and tech-led approach have made it the airline of choice for millions of customers. Since its inception, Akasa Air has redefined flying in India with its multiple industry-first and customer-friendly offerings. Its brand-new fleet provides ample legroom and enhanced comfort and comes with USB ports in the majority of aircraft, allowing passengers to charge their gadgets and devices on the go.Café Akasa, the airline’s onboard meal service, offers an assortment of healthy and delectable meals, including festive menus and industry-first options such as Kombucha, to offer customers an indulgent gourmet experience in the skies.Pets on Akasa allows customers to travel with their pets in the cabin or to carry them in cargo based on their weight. Akasa Air offers over 25+ ancillary products to deliver on its promise of exceptional customer service, such as Akasa GetEarly,  Seat & Meal Deal, Extra Seat and Akasa Holidays, which offer personalisation that is second to none. Consistently enhancing the cabin experience for its customers, Akasa has launched several industry-firsts such as SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights and QuietFlights. 

About Akasa Air:   

Akasa Air is India’s most dependable airline, offering warm and efficient customer service, reliable operations, and affordable fares - all in the Akasa Way. Akasa’s youthful personality, employee-centric philosophy, tech-led approach, and culture of service make this commitment a reality for all Indians.    

Akasa Air’s consistent on-time leadership, operational efficiencies and extremely positive customer feedback have made it a preferred carrier in India, serving over 25 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. Akasa Air currently connects with 26 domestic and six international cities, namely Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kochi, Delhi, Guwahati, Agartala, Pune, Lucknow, Goa, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Kolkata, Sri Vijaya Puram, Ayodhya, Gwalior, Srinagar, Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, Darbhanga, Kozhikode, Navi Mumbai, Dibrugarh, Doha (Qatar), Jeddah, Riyadh (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kuwait City (Kuwait) and Phuket (Thailand).    

With a clear focus on sustained, long-term growth, Akasa Air has placed a firm order of 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, powered by CFM fuel-efficient LEAP-1B engines. It currently operates 35 737 MAX aircraft which deliver superior efficiency in reducing fuel use and carbon emissions. The aircraft also have a quieter cabin with 40 per cent less noise, fulfilling the airline's promise of being an environmentally progressive company with the youngest and greenest fleet in the Indian skies.    

For more information, visit www.akasaair.com   

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