Ulwe: Close on the heels of Indigo, Akasa Air plans to kick off operations at the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) with more than 100-plus weekly domestic flights. Akasa Air inked an MOU with Adani Airport Holdings Ltd (AAHL), the NMIA developer and the largest operator of PPP airports in India.

Initially, Akasa Air will operate 100-plus weekly domestic departures and scale up to 300-plus domestic and over 50-plus international departures weekly. The airline, as part of its broader network strategy, is also set to ramp up to 10 parking bases by the end of FY2027. Akasa has chalked out a roadmap for focused international expansion into key Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets.

Commenting on the MOU, Vinay Dube, founder and CEO, Akasa Air said, "Our foray into Navi Mumbai International Airport is a strategic step aligned with Akasa Air’s long-term vision to build a future-ready airline that is responsive to the evolving needs of Indian travellers. No airline in India will have a larger percentage of its fleet and operations based out of NMIA than Akasa Air."

"Enhanced connectivity from Navi Mumbai will not only strengthen our network in the western region but also help fuel India’s economic engine by improving connectivity, stimulating regional development, and ensuring that the benefits of aviation-led growth reach every corner of the country. This move supports our commitment to supplement existing capacities, unlock new demand centres, and enable sustainable growth.”

Arun Bansal, CEO, AAHL, added, "We are pleased to welcome Akasa Air as one of the inaugural airline partners at NMIA. Their rapid growth and forward-looking approach make them an ideal partner in NMIA’s journey to becoming a key domestic and international hub. Our collaboration aims to offer a seamless and enhanced travel experience for millions, with NMIA playing a central role in reshaping Mumbai’s air connectivity ecosystem."

IndiGo has announced plans to run 18 daily flights to over 15 cities from NMIA’s first day, with future expansion already in the pipeline, also in partnership with AAHL.