Akasa Air, India’s burgeoning airline, has launched its daily service from Riyadh to Mumbai, marking a significant expansion within Saudi Arabia. On June 15, 2024, the maiden flight took off from Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport at 10:20 PM IST, touching down at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 12:15 AM AST. This addition cements Akasa Air’s growing footprint in the Kingdom, offering passengers more choices for reliable and cost-effective air travel.
“Akasa Air has quickly become India’s most trusted airline. As our global reach flourishes, we are devoted to delivering the Akasa brand of dependability and affordability to an international audience.”
Riyadh, a burgeoning financial hub, continues to attract a growing number of business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travelers. The city’s unique mix of cutting-edge and historic architecture also makes it an appealing destination for tourists and culture seekers.
The inauguration of the new route was celebrated at King Khalid International Airport, with executives from both Akasa Air and the airport in attendance.
Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International at Akasa Air, stated: “We are thrilled to begin operations in Riyadh, our third international destination. Riyadh’s burgeoning business opportunities and vibrant tourist spots have drawn a diverse Indian traveler base.
The Saudi Arabian government’s proactive strategy to boost the nation’s global air connectivity is expected to further increase demand for flights to and from the area.
We are grateful for the support from King Khalid International Airport that made this new service possible,” she concluded.
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, chimed in: “Initiating service to Riyadh is a major step in strengthening our presence within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With daily direct flights linking Mumbai and Riyadh, we anticipate an uptick in passenger and cargo traffic, fulfilling the rising needs of trade and tourism.
Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, added: “The Akasa experience, known for its service excellence, is now extended to Riyadh. Our onboard offerings, such as Café Akasa’s diverse culinary choices and our ‘QuietFlights’ for a more peaceful travel experience, are tailored to enhance customer satisfaction. With the addition of Akasa Holidays, we’re setting new benchmarks for air travel in India and beyond.”
Since its first international flight to Doha in March 2024 and the subsequent expansion to Jeddah, Akasa Air’s operations in Riyadh align with Saudi Arabia’s vision to triple its air passenger traffic and quintuple freight handling by 2030. With traffic rights acquired for Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Medina, the airline is poised for further international growth.
Offering a suite of premium services, Akasa Air’s brand-new fleet boasts ample legroom, USB charging ports, and the gourmet Café Akasa. Other unique features include Skyscore for live sports updates and holiday packages via Akasa Holidays. In a commitment to inclusivity, the airline provides safety instructions and menus in Braille for visually impaired passengers.
With a reputation for punctuality and positive customer feedback, Akasa Air has quickly become a preferred airline in India, reaching over 10 million passengers. Its expansive network covers 25 cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and international destinations like Doha, Jeddah, and Riyadh.
Flight Schedule:
- Flight QP 0567 departs Mumbai at 8:05 PM, arrives in Riyadh at 9:55 PM, operates daily, non-stop.
- Flight QP 0568 departs Riyadh at 10:55 PM, arrives in Mumbai at 5:35 AM, operates daily, non-stop.
*Flight schedules are subject to change for operational reasons.
About Akasa Air:
Akasa Air, renowned for its dependable and friendly services, began its first commercial operation in August 2022. It became the quickest Indian airline to venture into international skies with the launch of Mumbai-Doha flights within just 19 months of inception. With an order of 226 fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX airplanes and a fleet of 24 aircraft, Akasa Air is committed to sustainable growth with the most eco-friendly fleet in India. For further details, visit Akasa Air’s official website or social media profiles on Twitter and LinkedIn.