In a strategic move to fortify its position in India's burgeoning aviation market, three-year-old low-cost carrier Akasa Air announced on October 17, 2025, the addition of Delhi as its third operational base alongside Bengaluru and Mumbai. The expansion includes ramping up domestic and international flights, with a particular emphasis on enhancing services from Kolkata, a key eastern gateway. This development comes amid a post-pandemic surge in air travel demand, where domestic passenger traffic has rebounded to pre-COVID levels, prompting carriers to optimise hub networks for efficiency and reach.
Akasa Air, backed by billionaire Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's estate and led by CEO Vinay Dube, aims to capture a larger slice of the market currently dominated by IndiGo and Air India, projecting to operate over 200 daily flights by early 2026. The Delhi base will leverage Indira Gandhi International Airport's infrastructure to add 10-15 new routes, targeting tier-2 cities and high-yield international links.
The carrier's growth trajectory reflects a calculated response to industry dynamics, including fleet modernisation and route rationalisation. Akasa, which commenced operations in August 2022 with an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet, has already grown to 25 aircraft, with 200 on order—the largest in Indian aviation history. By establishing Delhi as a hub, the airline will introduce daily non-stop flights to popular domestic destinations like Ahmedabad, Goa, and Guwahati, while bolstering connectivity from Kolkata to metros such as Chennai and Hyderabad. Internationally, enhancements target Middle East hubs like Doha and Jeddah, capitalising on the non-resident Indian diaspora.
"Delhi's addition strengthens our network backbone, enabling seamless multi-hub operations and better resource utilisation," Dube stated in a press release. This follows recent frequency hikes on routes like Mumbai-Bengaluru and plans for Southeast Asian expansions, underscoring Akasa's ambition to achieve 10% market share within five years despite challenges like pilot shortages that plagued startups.
Kolkata's upgrade addresses the eastern region's underserved demand, where air traffic has grown 15% year-on-year. The airline will deploy additional aircraft for high-density short-haul flights, incorporating features like complimentary meals and priority boarding to differentiate in the ultra-low-cost segment. This base expansion aligns with government initiatives like UDAN, promoting regional connectivity, and positions Akasa to benefit from the projected $20 billion aviation investment by 2030.
However, it arrives against a backdrop of rising fuel costs and competitive pricing wars, with rivals like SpiceJet and GoFirst's revival adding pressure. Akasa's focus on sustainability—through fuel-efficient MAX jets reducing emissions by 20%—could appeal to eco-conscious travellers, while digital innovations like app-based check-ins enhance passenger experience.
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As Akasa Air scales up, the move signals optimism for India's aviation sector, forecasted to become the third-largest globally by 2025. With Delhi's integration, the carrier eyes operational synergies, potentially creating 5,000 jobs in ground handling and maintenance. Stakeholders anticipate this will stimulate tourism and business travel, particularly in the National Capital Region. Dube emphasised, "Our multi-base model ensures resilience and affordability, democratising air travel for millions." As the airline rolls out these enhancements over the next quarter, it reinforces its narrative as a nimble disruptor in a consolidating market, poised for sustained ascent amid evolving consumer preferences.
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