Akasa Air, India’s fastest-growing airline, has inaugurated direct flights connecting Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The carrier will operate services from two major Indian cities – Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
This international expansion marks a new chapter in the airline’s rapid growth. The inaugural flight took off on 15 July 2024.
It departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 19:35 IST.
It touched down at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 22:25 AST. The arrival was met with a warm welcome by leadership teams from both Akasa Air and King Abdulaziz International Airport.
Jeddah-Mumbai Inauguration
Akasa Air’s new service offers daily direct flights between Jeddah and Mumbai. The carrier now plans to increase the frequency to 12 flights per week starting July 21, 2024.
This enhanced schedule demonstrates the airline’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for travel between India and Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the Mumbai route, Akasa Air is set to launch twice-weekly direct flights connecting Jeddah with Ahmedabad, commencing on July 20, 2024.
This expansion not only strengthens the airline’s international network but also provides convenient options for travelers from Gujarat.
Strengthening Presence in Saudi Arabia
The launch of services to Jeddah follows Akasa Air’s successful entry into Riyadh in June 2024, solidifying the airline’s presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The strategic expansion aligns with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious goal of hosting 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030.This is part of the country’s broader tourism and economic objectives.
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, spoke positively about the reception of the new route.
“The response to our Mumbai-Riyadh route has been encouraging and reflects the need for enhanced connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia.”
“Direct flights connecting Jeddah with Mumbai and Ahmedabad will foster trade, provide options to pilgrims, and drive inbound tourism.”
Enhancing Passenger Experience
Akasa Air has quickly gained a reputation for its focus on passenger comfort and innovative services. Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, highlighted the airline’s commitment to providing a superior travel experience.
Coutinho added, “As we build a holistic air network, we strive to make every flight a memorable and seamless experience for our passengers.”
Rapid International Expansion
Since its international debut in March 2024, Akasa Air has rapidly expanded its global footprint. The airline currently operates flights to Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and now Jeddah. Furthermore, Akasa Air has been granted traffic rights for Kuwait and Medina, indicating plans for further expansion in the near future.
In line with its mission to make air travel accessible to all, Akasa Air has introduced Braille safety instruction cards and onboard menu cards for visually impaired passengers.
This initiative underscores the airline’s dedication to creating an inclusive travel environment.
A Rising Star in Indian Aviation
Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has rapidly established itself as a preferred carrier in India, serving over 10 million passengers.
The airline’s consistent on-time performance, operational efficiencies, and positive customer feedback have contributed to its success.
Currently, Akasa Air connects 22 domestic destinations across India, including major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai, as well as emerging travel hubs such as Ayodhya, Gwalior, and Srinagar.
With the addition of Jeddah to its international network, Akasa Air now serves four international destinations, strengthening India’s global connectivity.
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