The Ministry of Civil Aviation has given the green light to Mumbai's budget airline Akasa Air to fly to international places, according to two sources familiar with the situation.
The Civil Aviation Ministry, in a letter reviewed by HT, stated that after consulting with the DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation), they have decided to permit Akasa Air to operate international flights as long as the airline continues to follow the necessary regulations. They also mentioned that Akasa Air, being a new airline, is eligible to apply for international flight services.
“The civil aviation ministry is currently in the process of allocating traffic rights after which the airline will approach the DGCA for further procedures and permissions,” one of the two officials said.
In a statement, Akasa Air described the government’s approval as a recognition of the strength of the airline’s operations.
"This new approval is a significant milestone for us, as it paves the way for us to start international flights, aligning with our goal of launching these operations by the end of this year. We are actively collaborating with the relevant authorities to secure traffic rights, and we'll soon reveal the international destinations we'll serve. Our initial focus is on destinations in South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East that are within the range of a boeing 737 MAX departing from India," stated the airline.
They also mentioned, "We are set to make a substantial aircraft order announcement with a three-digit figure by the year's end to cater to the increasing demand for air travel. Our commitment to meticulous planning and an experienced team has enabled us to become one of the fastest-growing airlines in civil aviation history, with a strong emphasis on reliability and customer satisfaction."