Akasa Air 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 1705 hrs IST and was scheduled to arrive at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi at 1850 hrs AST.
An event was held at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport to flag off the maiden flight, where a ceremonial lamp was lit in the presence of members of Akasa Air’s Executive Committee. The event was also graced by the leadership of Mumbai International Airport Limited, and a special boarding pass was presented to the first passenger on the inaugural flight.
Commenting on the destination launch, Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and SVP International of Akasa Air, said, “We are pleased to commence operations to and from Abu Dhabi, the fourth international destination on our rapidly growing global network. The launch of daily direct flights connecting two prominent cities, Mumbai and Abu Dhabi, will provide affordable and convenient options for air travel and strengthen the air travel links between India and the UAE.”
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, further shared, “We are delighted to solidify our presence in the Middle East region with the launch of direct flights connecting Mumbai with Abu Dhabi. Home to a strong Indian diaspora and known for its unique tourist experiences, the city has become a popular destination amongst tourists. Moreover, its burgeoning trade prospects have consistently attracted business travellers from across the globe. This strategic expansion will enable us to cater to the ever-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 of Akasa Air, added, “We are excited to bring the Akasa experience to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. At Akasa Air, service excellence is at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to make every flight a memorable experience for our passengers.
Travellers on the route can look forward to a warm flying experience with unique culinary offerings through our onboard meal service, Café Akasa, backed by the signature service delivered by our crew members on board and on the ground. Travellers also have the option to choose from a variety of customisable and all-inclusive holiday packages at affordable prices with Akasa Holidays.”
“We take pride in having redefined air travel in India within a short time, and as we spread our wings, we are confident that Akasa Air will become synonymous with service excellence across the globe,” he added.
Akasa Air forayed into international skies in March 2024 and has rapidly expanded its global footprint. The airline currently operates flights to Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi and has opened for the sale of tickets to Jeddah. Additionally, Akasa Air has also been granted traffic rights for Kuwait and Medina (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), and will continue to strengthen its international network in the coming months, bringing the signature Akasa experience to the world.
