By Akasa Air, India’s rapidly growing airline, has launched direct flights connecting Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to two major Indian cities: Mumbai and Ahmedabad. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the airline’s international growth, with the inaugural flight departing from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai on July 15, 2024, at 19:35 IST. The flight arrived at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah at 22:25 AST, where it was warmly received by representatives from both Akasa Air and the airport.
The new service includes daily direct flights between Mumbai and Jeddah, with plans to increase the frequency to 12 flights per week starting July 21, 2024, to accommodate rising demand. Additionally, Akasa Air will commence twice-weekly direct flights between Ahmedabad and Jeddah on July 20, 2024. This expansion not only enhances the airline’s international presence but also provides convenient travel options for passengers from Gujarat.
Akasa Air’s entry into Jeddah follows its successful launch of services to Riyadh in June 2024, further establishing the airline’s footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This strategic move aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal of attracting 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, as part of its broader tourism and economic objectives.
Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, expressed optimism about the new route, citing strong demand for increased connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia. Belson Coutinho, Co-Founder and Chief Marketing and Experience Officer, emphasized the airline’s commitment to providing a superior travel experience, highlighting the introduction of Braille safety instruction cards and onboard menu cards for visually impaired passengers as part of their inclusive service offerings.
Since its international debut in March 2024, Akasa Air has expanded its global network to include destinations such as Doha, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and now Jeddah. The airline has also received traffic rights for Kuwait and Medina, indicating further international expansion plans.
Launched in August 2022, Akasa Air has quickly established itself as a preferred carrier in India, known for its consistent on-time performance and customer-centric services. The airline currently serves 22 domestic destinations, including major cities and emerging travel hubs, and has now expanded to four international destinations, enhancing India’s global connectivity.
