Akasa Air, a swiftly expanding carrier in India, has commenced a new service with direct daily connections between Riyadh and Mumbai. This new venture commenced with the inaugural flight from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, which took off at 2220hrs IST on the 15th of June 2024, and landed at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 0015hrs AST. The addition of Riyadh as a destination not only amplifies Akasa Air’s footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia but also offers a boost in travel options for both regions.
Recognized as a burgeoning hub for finance, Riyadh has seen a steady increase in interest from business and MICE segments globally. The city, known for its fusion of futuristic and historic architecture, is also gaining traction as a hotspot for leisure and cultural tourism.
The launch event was marked by a celebratory welcome at King Khalid International Airport, attended by the leadership teams of both Akasa Air and the airport facility.
Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International of Akasa Air, commented on the milestone, We are pleased to commence operations from Riyadh, our third international destination on our rapidly growing international network. The city’s flourishing trade prospects and dynamic tourist attractions have made it an increasingly popular destination for a variety of Indian travellers.
She also acknowledged the support provided by King Khalid International Airport in making this new route operational.
Praveen Iyer, the airline’s Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, expressed enthusiasm about the potential that Riyadh presents as a tourist destination and the expected enhancement in passenger and cargo capacity due to the new daily flights.
Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer at Akasa Air, emphasized the airline’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and highlighted the various offerings designed to enhance the in-flight experience for travellers on this new route.
Akasa Air’s international operations were initiated with its first destination being Doha in March 2024, followed by Jeddah in May 2024. The Riyadh service aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goals to amplify global connectivity and significantly increase air passenger traffic and freight by 2030.
The airline’s growing network is further strengthened by acquiring rights to operate in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Medina. With the introduction of various quality products and services, Akasa Air aims to provide an inclusive, comfortable, and memorable travel experience. It boasts a new fleet that offers ample legroom, USB ports for device charging, and diverse culinary choices through its Café Akasa onboard meal service.
Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has built a reputation for punctuality, operational excellence, and positive customer experiences, having served over 10 million passengers and connected 25 cities.
Flight schedules have been meticulously planned to ensure daily connectivity, with the flight from Mumbai to Riyadh designated as QP 0567 and the return flight as QP 0568, both operating non-stop.
The carrier has placed a significant order for 226 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes to support its expansion, with the existing fleet already contributing to the airline’s reputation as an eco-friendly choice due to reduced fuel consumption and noise levels.
Akasa Air’s vision is to offer dependable and affordable travel while focusing on long-term, sustainable growth. The airline is dedicated to providing a seamless travel experience, evident from its rapid expansion and the introduction of services like Skyscore and QuietFlights, along with accessibility features such as Braille safety cards and menus.