Akasa Air expands international reach with daily direct flights from Riyadh to Mumbai

Akasa Air, India‘s fastest-growing airline, has commenced daily direct flights from Riyadh to Mumbai, marking a significant expansion in its international network. The inaugural flight took off from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai at 2220hrs IST on June 15, 2024, arriving at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh at 0015hrs AST. This development enhances Akasa Air‘s presence in Saudi Arabia and reinforces its commitment to providing reliable, affordable, and enhanced air travel options.

Strategic Expansion in Saudi Arabia

Akasa Air’s entry into Riyadh, its second destination in Saudi Arabia, aims to cater to the growing demand for both business and leisure travel. Riyadh, a burgeoning financial hub, is increasingly attracting business and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travelers. Its blend of modern and traditional attractions makes it a compelling destination for tourists and culture enthusiasts alike.

Neelu Khatri, Co-Founder and Senior Vice President of International at Akasa Air, stated, “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. The Government of Saudi Arabia’s forward-looking strategy to enhance the nation’s global air connectivity will further bolster air travel demand to and from the region in the coming years.”

Enhancing Connectivity and Service

Akasa Air’s entry into Riyadh strengthens its connectivity, enhancing passenger and cargo capacity between the two cities. Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted the potential of Riyadh as a tourist destination, noting, “The launch of daily direct flights connecting Riyadh with Mumbai will enhance passenger and cargo capacity on the route, catering to the growing demand for trade and tourism. Akasa Air remains committed to offering a dependable and affordable flying experience.”

Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, added, “We are excited to extend the signature Akasa experience to Riyadh, our third international destination. Service excellence is in our DNA, and we have progressively introduced multiple customer-friendly offerings to ensure a warm and efficient flying experience.”

Innovative Offerings and Future Expansion

Akasa Air, which began its international journey with flights to Doha on March 28, 2024, has also launched services to Jeddah. The airline is poised to further expand its global footprint, having secured traffic rights for Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Medina. Akasa Air continues to innovate with onboard services like Café Akasa, offering a variety of gourmet meals, and features such as Skyscore by Akasa for live sports updates, QuietFlights for a restful inflight experience, and Akasa Holidays for customized travel packages.

Akasa Air’s fleet, known for its ample legroom and in-flight comfort, includes features like USB ports for passenger convenience. The airline also prioritizes inclusivity, offering safety and menu cards in Braille for visually impaired passengers.

A Vision for the Future

With a robust track record of service and operational excellence, Akasa Air has served over 10 million passengers since its launch in August 2022. The airline currently connects 25 cities in India and internationally, including Doha, Jeddah, and Riyadh. As Akasa Air continues to grow, its vision is to enhance global connectivity and redefine air travel with innovation, comfort, and reliability.