Showing posts with label Airline Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Airline Reviews. Show all posts

Akasa Air Review: Is It Good? Baggage, Food & Routes

Updated: August 06, 2026

Akasa Air Review: Is It Good? Baggage, Food & Routes

Akasa Air is one of India's newest low-cost airlines and has grown quickly since launching commercial flights in August 2022. The Mumbai-headquartered carrier operates an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet and now flies across a growing domestic network as well as international routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia.


So, is Akasa Air actually good? The answer depends on what you expect. Akasa offers relatively new aircraft, comfortable cabins, USB charging on many aircraft, 15 kg of checked baggage on domestic flights and competitive fares. But it is still a low-cost airline: do not expect traditional seatback movies, complimentary full meals or the service level of a full-service international carrier.


Akasa Air is also frequently misspelled or searched online as Aksa Air. The correct airline name is Akasa Air, and its IATA airline code is QP.

Quick verdict: Akasa Air is a good option when its schedule and final price work for your trip. Its newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, relatively quiet cabins and USB charging are advantages. The biggest drawbacks are a much smaller route network than IndiGo, limited flight frequency on some routes, no traditional seatback entertainment system, and a low-cost model where meals, preferred seats and many extras cost additional money.

Table of Contents

Akasa Air Reviews

What Is Akasa Air?

Akasa Air is an Indian low-cost airline headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. The airline was founded in 2021 by an aviation team that included Vinay Dube and Aditya Ghosh, with the late billionaire investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala as a major early financial backer.

Commercial operations began on August 7, 2022, with a Mumbai-Ahmedabad flight.

Akasa Air Fact Details
Airline name Akasa Air
Common misspelling Aksa Air
IATA code QP
ICAO code AKJ
Headquarters Mumbai, Maharashtra
Started commercial flights August 7, 2022
Business model Low-cost airline
Aircraft family Boeing 737 MAX
Domestic position India's third-largest domestic airline by passenger market share in June 2026
International operations Middle East and Southeast Asia destinations, with further expansion planned

Akasa is considerably smaller than IndiGo or the Air India Group, but it has one of the most aggressive fleet-expansion plans in Indian aviation.

Akasa Air Review at a Glance

Feature Akasa Air Our Take
Fare Low-cost Can be very competitive, but compare the total after seats, meals and baggage extras.
Aircraft Boeing 737 MAX Generally newer aircraft with modern cabins.
Domestic cabin bag 7 kg Standard for an Indian low-cost airline.
Domestic checked bag 15 kg, one piece Included for normal domestic passengers.
Meals Mostly paid Pre-book Café Akasa if you want a proper meal.
Water Available onboard Ask the cabin crew when needed; do not assume other beverages are complimentary.
Seatback TV No traditional system Download movies, podcasts and music before boarding.
USB charging Available on many aircraft A useful advantage for phone and tablet users.
Wi-Fi internet Do not expect it as a standard feature Download entertainment before the flight.
Pets Dogs and cats accepted under Pets on Akasa One of Akasa's more distinctive services.
Network size Growing but much smaller than IndiGo Check frequency and backup flights before choosing purely on price.

Is Akasa Air Good?

For a low-cost airline, Akasa Air offers a reasonably attractive product.

Its main strengths are:

  • Relatively new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
  • Modern-looking cabin interiors
  • Quieter Boeing Sky Interior cabin
  • Comfortable seat cushioning
  • USB charging on many aircraft
  • 15 kg domestic checked baggage allowance
  • A substantial optional food menu
  • Competitive fares on many routes
  • Pet-friendly travel options
  • Online and app-based check-in

The weaknesses are mostly the same ones you would expect from a low-cost carrier:

  • No traditional seatback movie or television entertainment
  • Meals usually cost extra
  • Seat selection can cost extra
  • Smaller route network
  • Fewer backup frequencies than IndiGo on many routes
  • International service is still limited compared with Air India, IndiGo and foreign full-service airlines

Bottom line: Akasa is not trying to be Emirates, Singapore Airlines or even a traditional full-service Air India flight. Judge it against other low-cost airlines, particularly IndiGo.

Akasa Air Cheapo Airline

Is Akasa Air Cheap?

Akasa Air is a low-cost airline, but that does not mean it will always have the cheapest ticket.

Airfare changes constantly according to:

  • Route
  • Travel date
  • Demand
  • How early you book
  • Holiday periods
  • Available fare inventory
  • Competition on the route
  • Seat-selection charges
  • Meal charges
  • Extra baggage

Akasa regularly promotes discounted fares on its website and app, but a promotional discount usually applies to the base fare rather than government taxes and every add-on.

Compare the final checkout price. A ₹4,000 Akasa ticket can become more expensive after choosing a seat, adding a meal and purchasing excess baggage. Compare the final Akasa price with IndiGo and Air India before paying.

Akasa Air vs IndiGo: Which Is Better?

For most travelers, this is the most useful comparison because both Akasa Air and IndiGo operate primarily as low-cost airlines.

Feature Akasa Air IndiGo
Domestic network Much smaller but expanding By far the larger network
Flight frequency Limited on some routes Usually more departures and backup options
Aircraft All-Boeing 737 MAX family Primarily Airbus A320/A321 family plus ATR aircraft and expanding long-haul fleet
Domestic cabin baggage 7 kg Generally 7 kg, subject to fare and current policy
Domestic checked baggage 15 kg, one piece Generally 15 kg on standard domestic fares
Free meals Normally no Normally no on standard domestic low-cost service
Seatback screens No traditional seatback entertainment system No traditional seatback screens on normal domestic fleet
USB charging Available on many Akasa aircraft Depends heavily on aircraft
Pets Dedicated Pets on Akasa program More restrictive pet options
Best reason to choose Price, newer-feeling cabin, convenient schedule Network size, frequency and more alternate flights

IndiGo remains overwhelmingly larger. In June 2026, IndiGo carried about 66.3% of India's domestic passengers, while Akasa Air had approximately 6.4%.

That difference matters when something goes wrong. On a busy route, IndiGo may have several flights later the same day. Akasa may have only one or two departures, depending on the city pair.

Which would I choose? If the departure time and price are similar, compare the exact aircraft, baggage requirements and schedule. Akasa can provide a pleasant cabin experience, but IndiGo's larger network gives it an important advantage when you need multiple daily flight choices.

Read: IndiGo International Flights: What Travelers Should Know.

Akasa Air International Flight

What Aircraft Does Akasa Air Use?

Akasa operates an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet.

The airline passed the 40-aircraft milestone in July 2026 and continues receiving new aircraft as Boeing deliveries increase.

Akasa's long-term Boeing order book totals 226 aircraft. The order includes Boeing 737 MAX 8, higher-density 737 MAX 8-200 aircraft and future Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft.

Why one aircraft family? Low-cost airlines often use a common aircraft family because it can simplify pilot training, maintenance, spare parts, scheduling and cabin operations.

Akasa's huge order does not mean all 226 aircraft are currently flying. Deliveries are planned over several years as the airline expands.

Read: Types of Aircraft Flown by Indian Airlines.

What Are Akasa Air Seats Like?

Akasa operates an all-economy-style low-cost product on its own flights rather than traditional Business Class and Economy Class cabins.

The newer aircraft emphasize:

  • Modern lightweight seats
  • Softer cushioning
  • Boeing Sky Interior cabin design
  • LED mood lighting
  • Large overhead bins
  • Relatively quiet cabin environment
  • USB charging on many aircraft

Akasa says some newer aircraft use next-generation seating products such as Safran Z200 seats.

Do not interpret “comfortable” as meaning unlimited legroom. It is still a low-cost narrow-body airline. Standard seats are designed to fit a relatively high number of passengers into a Boeing 737.

Extra-legroom and preferred seats

If seat location matters, Akasa allows passengers to purchase preferred seating. Charges can vary according to the row, route and fare.

There is also an Extra Seat option for passengers who want an adjacent empty seat. Akasa currently provides an additional 10 kg checked-baggage allowance when an eligible Extra Seat is purchased.

Does Akasa Air Have In-Flight Entertainment?

Do not board a normal Akasa Air flight expecting a personal television screen with movies and TV shows.

Akasa does not advertise the traditional seatback in-flight entertainment system found on many long-haul full-service airlines.

Instead, Akasa promotes smaller onboard experience features such as:

  • SkyBeats: Curated music played during boarding and deplaning
  • SkyLights: Boeing Sky Interior mood lighting
  • SkyScore: Updates from selected major sporting events
  • QuietFlights: Reduced nonessential announcements on certain late-night flights

Entertainment recommendation: Download Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube downloads, podcasts, music, ebooks or games onto your phone or tablet before going to the airport.

Also bring your own headphones or earbuds. Akasa is not an airline where passengers should expect free entertainment headphones.

Read: Do Airlines in India Give Free Headphones or Earbuds?

Does Akasa Air Have USB Charging?

USB charging is one of the useful features of Akasa's newer cabin product.

Akasa states that USB charging ports are available on many of its aircraft, allowing passengers to charge phones and other compatible devices during the flight.

Do not rely entirely on the aircraft charger. Bring your own charging cable and a fully charged power bank in cabin baggage. A particular USB port can be damaged or unavailable even when the aircraft normally offers charging.

Remember that power banks must remain in cabin baggage and cannot normally be placed in checked luggage.

Is Food Free on Akasa Air?

On normal Akasa Air low-cost tickets, passengers should not assume that a meal is complimentary.

Akasa operates Café Akasa, where passengers can pre-book meals and purchase eligible snacks and beverages.

Depending on the fare or booking type, a meal may sometimes be included. This can also differ on connecting or codeshare itineraries.

Check the ticket rather than assuming. A flight lasting three or four hours does not automatically mean Akasa will provide a free meal.

Read: Do India Domestic Airlines Provide Free Meals?

What Is Café Akasa?

Café Akasa is Akasa Air's onboard food and beverage service.

The current menu is unusually broad for an Indian low-cost airline and includes dozens of items such as:

  • Vegetarian and non-vegetarian sandwiches
  • Masala beetroot burger
  • Paneer sandwich
  • Chicken and cheese sandwich
  • Three-bean Jain burrito wrap
  • Salads
  • Gourmet meals
  • Ready-to-eat meals
  • Nuts and snack mixes
  • Protein combinations
  • Hot and cold beverages
  • Desserts
  • Celebration cakes
  • Seasonal and festival menus

Most perishable meals should be pre-booked. Akasa currently allows normal meals to be pre-booked up to 12 hours before departure, while celebration cakes require more advance notice.

Hot ready-to-eat meals and hot beverages may depend on flight duration.

If food matters to you, pre-book it. Do not depend on the onboard trolley having the exact sandwich or meal you want. Onboard stock is naturally more limited than the pre-book menu.

View the current Café Akasa menu and food information.

What About Meals on Akasa Codeshare Flights?

This is where travelers can become confused.

You may buy a ticket from another airline but fly the India portion on an aircraft operated by Akasa Air. Etihad Airways, for example, has codeshare flights operated by Akasa.

A codeshare ticket may include services that are different from a normal Akasa ticket because the meal, baggage and through-ticket conditions can be determined by the agreement and fare you purchased.

Real traveler experience: On one Akasa-operated international codeshare journey, the included vegetarian meal was a beetroot-based sandwich. It was adequate as a light snack but was not comparable with the larger meal service travelers may expect from a full-service international carrier.

This does not mean every Akasa codeshare passenger receives the same sandwich—or even a free meal. Check the meal notation on your booking.

An Etihad flight number does not necessarily mean an Etihad aircraft. Look for wording such as “Operated by Akasa Air.” If Akasa operates the sector, expect Akasa's aircraft and basic onboard product rather than Etihad's long-haul cabin experience.

Is Water Free on Akasa Air?

Drinking water is available onboard Akasa flights. Passengers can request water from the cabin crew.

However, do not interpret this as meaning every beverage or a particular bottle of packaged water is complimentary. Café Akasa sells beverages as part of its onboard menu and meal combinations.

If hydration is important, carry an empty reusable bottle through airport security and fill it after screening where airport drinking-water facilities are available.

Can You Bring a Water Bottle on a Flight in India?

Akasa Air Baggage Allowance

Domestic flights

Baggage Standard Akasa Allowance
Cabin baggage One handbag up to 7 kg
Cabin bag dimensions Total L + W + H up to 115 cm
Checked baggage 15 kg
Checked baggage pieces One piece

The one-piece rule matters. Two checked bags weighing 7 kg and 8 kg do not automatically qualify simply because the combined weight is 15 kg. Akasa can charge for an additional piece.

Akasa-operated international flights

Akasa currently lists:

  • Most international destinations: Up to 30 kg in two checked pieces
  • Phuket: 20 kg in one piece
  • Hanoi: 20 kg in one piece
  • Cabin baggage: One handbag up to 7 kg

Codeshare baggage can differ substantially, particularly on through itineraries to Europe, North America and other regions.

Always read the baggage line on your ticket. The allowance attached to a codeshare itinerary may be different from the normal Akasa-operated point-to-point allowance.

Check Akasa Air's current baggage allowances.

How Many Domestic Destinations Does Akasa Air Fly To?

Akasa's network changes regularly as new aircraft arrive and seasonal schedules are adjusted.

By mid-2026, the airline was serving roughly 28 domestic destinations.

Current or recently scheduled cities include major markets and smaller destinations such as:

  • Mumbai
  • Navi Mumbai
  • Delhi
  • Bengaluru
  • Ahmedabad
  • Chennai
  • Kochi
  • Kolkata
  • Hyderabad
  • Pune
  • Goa
  • Guwahati
  • Lucknow
  • Varanasi
  • Srinagar
  • Bagdogra
  • Ayodhya
  • Darbhanga
  • Gorakhpur
  • Bhubaneswar
  • Agartala
  • Dibrugarh
  • Port Blair
  • Other expanding regional markets

Destinations are not the same as daily flights. Akasa does not operate the same number of flights on every route. Some major city pairs may have multiple frequencies while smaller markets may operate once daily, several times weekly or seasonally.

Because schedules change frequently, use Akasa's live flight schedule rather than relying on an old list of daily departures.

Check the current Akasa Air flight schedule.

Where Does Akasa Air Fly Internationally?

Akasa began international operations in 2024 and has expanded steadily.

Its current international network includes approximately seven destinations:

Country Akasa Destination
Qatar Doha
Kuwait Kuwait City
United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi
Saudi Arabia Jeddah and Riyadh
Thailand Phuket
Vietnam Hanoi

International flights operate from selected Indian cities rather than every Akasa domestic station.

Examples on the current schedule include:

  • Mumbai to Doha
  • Mumbai to Abu Dhabi
  • Mumbai to Kuwait
  • Mumbai to Riyadh
  • Mumbai to Jeddah
  • Mumbai to Phuket
  • Mumbai to Hanoi
  • Bengaluru to Jeddah
  • Bengaluru to Phuket
  • Kochi to Doha
  • Kochi to Jeddah
  • Ahmedabad to Doha
  • Ahmedabad to Jeddah

Routes can change quickly. Middle East schedules in particular can be adjusted because of airspace restrictions, regional security conditions, aircraft availability or seasonal demand.

What Is an Akasa Air Codeshare Flight?

A codeshare allows another airline to sell a seat on a flight physically operated by Akasa Air.

Etihad Airways and Akasa Air have a codeshare relationship that allows passengers to combine an Akasa-operated flight between India and Abu Dhabi with onward Etihad flights.

This can make Akasa appear in search results for destinations it does not physically fly to itself.

Example: You might buy one ticket from India to Europe or North America carrying an Etihad flight number, but the first flight from India to Abu Dhabi may say “Operated by Akasa Air.” The next flight may then be operated by Etihad.

On a codeshare itinerary, check:

  • Who operates each flight
  • Which terminal you use
  • Checked-baggage allowance
  • Whether baggage is checked through
  • Seat selection
  • Meal inclusion
  • Online check-in availability
  • Who handles schedule changes and refunds

Can You Take Pets on Akasa Air?

Akasa is notable among Indian airlines for its Pets on Akasa service.

The airline allows eligible domestic dogs and cats aged three months or older to travel, subject to booking, health, crate, weight and documentation rules.

Akasa currently advertises capacity for up to three pets on a flight, with a maximum of two in the cabin and another in the cargo compartment, subject to the applicable conditions.

Pet space is limited. Never buy your own passenger ticket first and assume the pet will automatically be accepted. Confirm pet availability with Akasa before finalizing travel.

Read: Pet-Friendly Airlines in India.

Akasa Air Web Check-In and Mobile App

Akasa provides web and app check-in for most eligible passengers.

Online check-in is currently available from 48 hours until 1 hour before departure for domestic and international flights.

During online check-in, passengers can:

  • Confirm check-in
  • Select an available seat
  • Add certain paid services
  • Receive an electronic boarding pass where permitted

International travelers still need their passport, visa and travel documents verified at the airport before receiving the final physical boarding pass where required.

Online check-in may not be available for certain passengers, including:

  • Unaccompanied minors
  • Some passengers requiring wheelchair assistance
  • Passengers traveling with pets
  • Passengers using certain special services
  • Some codeshare itineraries

Is Akasa Air Safe?

Akasa Air is a scheduled Indian airline regulated by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. Its aircraft, pilots, maintenance programs and operating procedures must meet the applicable Indian civil aviation requirements.

It would be misleading to call Akasa—or any other Indian airline—the “safest airline in India” based on a simple internet ranking. The DGCA does not publish an official league table naming one scheduled airline as India's safest.

What about the Boeing 737 MAX?

Akasa's entire fleet consists of Boeing 737 MAX-family aircraft. The MAX has a well-known history following two fatal crashes involving overseas airlines in 2018 and 2019, after which the aircraft type was grounded globally and underwent major regulatory, software and training changes before returning to service.

India permits the Boeing 737 MAX to operate, and the aircraft is flown by Akasa Air as well as other airlines around the world under current regulatory requirements.

Better safety question: Instead of asking which Indian airline is “the safest,” check whether the carrier is properly regulated, the operating aircraft is approved for service and the airline has an established operational and maintenance system.

Akasa's recent operational performance

DGCA traffic data for June 2026 showed Akasa with approximately 82.7% on-time performance across the major airports included in the DGCA measurement.

For comparison, IndiGo was approximately 89.4% during the same reporting period.

On-time performance is useful when choosing an airline, but it is not a measure of safety.

Who Should Book Akasa Air?

Akasa can be a particularly good choice when:

  • Its fare is cheaper after all add-ons are included
  • The departure time is more convenient
  • You prefer a newer-feeling aircraft cabin
  • You need 15 kg domestic checked baggage
  • USB charging matters to you
  • You are comfortable downloading your own entertainment
  • You are willing to buy or pre-book food
  • You are traveling with a dog or cat and meet the pet rules
  • Akasa operates nonstop while another airline requires a connection

When Another Airline May Be Better

Consider another airline when:

  • You need many backup flights on the same day
  • Your route has only one Akasa frequency
  • You want a full-service meal included in the fare
  • You expect seatback movies and television
  • You require a premium Business Class cabin
  • You need a large international connecting network
  • Your trip has a very tight connection and another airline offers a simpler through itinerary
  • The final Akasa price becomes higher after adding all extras

Do not choose an airline by base fare alone. A ₹500 saving is not especially valuable if the alternative airline offers several more daily flights and a much better schedule for your trip.

Akasa Air Booking Tips

  • Compare final fares: Include the seat, meal and baggage you actually need.
  • Check frequency: A cheap one-flight-a-day route gives you fewer options after a cancellation.
  • Pre-book meals: Café Akasa has a much larger selection before the flight than you should expect from the onboard trolley.
  • Download entertainment: Do not depend on onboard movies or Wi-Fi.
  • Bring headphones: Use your own Bluetooth or wired earbuds with your phone or tablet.
  • Bring a charging cable: USB ports are useful only if you have the correct cable.
  • Watch the one-piece baggage rule: Domestic checked baggage is 15 kg in one piece.
  • Check international baggage carefully: Phuket and Hanoi differ from many other Akasa international routes.
  • Check “operated by”: On codeshare tickets, find out which airline physically operates each flight.
  • Recheck your schedule: Akasa is expanding rapidly and route timings can change.
  • Use the app: Keep the PNR, boarding pass and flight status accessible on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Akasa Air good?

Yes, Akasa can be a good low-cost option. It offers newer Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, modern cabins, USB charging on many aircraft, 15 kg domestic checked baggage and competitive fares. However, meals, preferred seats and many extras cost additional money.

Is Akasa Air better than IndiGo?

Neither airline is better for every traveler. Akasa may offer a newer-feeling cabin or a better fare on a particular flight, while IndiGo has a dramatically larger network and usually more flight frequencies. Compare the exact route, schedule and final price.

Is Akasa Air cheap?

Akasa is a low-cost airline and often offers competitive fares, but it is not always the cheapest. Add seat selection, meals and extra baggage before comparing the final price with IndiGo and Air India.

Does Akasa Air give free food?

Do not assume a standard Akasa ticket includes a meal. Café Akasa sells meals and snacks that can be pre-booked or purchased where available. Some fares, connections or codeshare tickets may include food.

Does Akasa Air provide free water?

Drinking water is available onboard and passengers can ask the cabin crew for water. Other bottled drinks, hot beverages and Café Akasa beverages may be chargeable.

Does Akasa Air have in-flight entertainment?

Akasa does not offer the traditional seatback movie and television system passengers may expect on full-service long-haul airlines. It offers features such as SkyBeats, SkyLights and SkyScore. Download your own movies, music and podcasts before departure.

Does Akasa Air have TV screens?

Passengers should not expect individual seatback television screens on normal Akasa Air flights. Use a phone or tablet for your own downloaded entertainment.

Does Akasa Air have USB charging?

USB charging ports are available on many Akasa aircraft. Bring the correct charging cable and keep a power bank in cabin baggage as a backup.

What aircraft does Akasa Air use?

Akasa operates an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet. Its long-term order book totals 226 Boeing 737 MAX-family aircraft, including future aircraft that have not yet been delivered.

How much baggage does Akasa Air allow domestically?

Akasa currently allows one cabin bag up to 7 kg and one checked bag up to 15 kg for normal domestic passengers. Additional pieces or excess weight can attract separate charges.

How much baggage does Akasa allow internationally?

Most Akasa-operated international flights currently include up to 30 kg in two checked pieces. Phuket and Hanoi have a 20 kg, one-piece allowance. Codeshare itineraries can have different baggage rules.

How many domestic destinations does Akasa Air have?

Akasa was serving roughly 28 domestic destinations by mid-2026, although routes and frequencies change as the airline adjusts its schedule and receives additional aircraft.

Where does Akasa Air fly internationally?

Akasa's current international network includes Doha, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, Phuket and Hanoi, with flights operating from selected Indian cities.

Does Akasa Air fly to the USA?

Akasa does not currently operate its own Boeing 737 MAX aircraft nonstop to the United States. However, a codeshare itinerary may allow passengers to buy connecting travel to the United States using Akasa for one sector and a partner airline for the onward flight.

Is Akasa Air a safe airline?

Akasa is a scheduled Indian airline regulated by the DGCA and operates approved Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. There is no official DGCA ranking declaring Akasa or another scheduled carrier the single safest airline in India.

Is Akasa Air owned by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala?

The late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala was a major early backer of Akasa Air. The airline was founded by an aviation leadership team led by Vinay Dube and other co-founders, with Jhunjhunwala providing significant initial investment.

Is Aksa Air the same as Akasa Air?

Yes, people frequently search for “Aksa Air,” but the correct spelling of the Indian airline is Akasa Air.

Can I take a dog or cat on Akasa Air?

Yes, eligible dogs and cats can travel through the Pets on Akasa service, subject to age, health, crate, weight, booking and documentation requirements. Pet capacity is limited, so arrange the service in advance.

Is Akasa Air a full-service airline?

No. Akasa is a low-cost carrier. Its fares are designed around a basic transportation product with optional paid services such as meals, preferred seats, priority services and additional baggage.

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Akasa Air Review: Is It Good? Baggage, Food & Routes

Akasa Air Review: Is It Good? Baggage, Food & Routes Akasa Air is one of India's newest low-cost airlines and has grown quic...