Akasa Air, India's newest airline, is experiencing a significant leadership change as co-founder Neelu Khatri resigns from her position as Senior Vice President for International Operations. This development comes less than two years after the airline's launch in August 2022.

Key Highlights

• Resignation: Neelu Khatri, co-founder and Senior VP for International Operations at Akasa Air, has stepped down.
• Reason: Khatri is leaving to pursue a new professional path.
• Achievements: Led the launch of Akasa's international operations.
• Strategic Partnership: Instrumental in establishing a codeshare agreement with Etihad.

Company Overview

Impact and Future Plans

Despite this leadership transition, Akasa Air has stated that its international expansion plans remain unchanged. The airline, which has quickly established itself in the competitive Indian aviation market, continues to focus on growth and strategic partnerships.

Leadership Structure

Khatri was one of seven co-founders who launched Akasa Air, working alongside CEO Vinay Dube and others. Her departure marks a significant change in the airline's founding team composition.

Financial Backing

Akasa Air recently completed a funding round, securing investments from notable firms including:

• Premji Invest
• Claypond Capital

This financial support underscores investor confidence in the airline's business model and growth prospects, even as it navigates this leadership change.

As Akasa Air continues its journey in the dynamic aviation sector, the impact of Khatri's departure and the company's ability to maintain its growth trajectory will be closely watched by industry observers and stakeholders alike.

Akasa Air, India's rapidly growing airline, is set to make its first foray into Southeast Asia with the launch of daily direct flights between Mumbai and Phuket. The new service, scheduled to commence on September 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the airline's international expansion strategy.

Flight Schedule and Details

The new route will operate with convenient timings for travelers:

This schedule allows for morning departures from Mumbai and evening returns, catering to both leisure and business travelers.

Expanding Network

With the addition of Phuket, Akasa Air's network now encompasses:

• 29 total destinations
• 23 domestic cities in India
• 6 international destinations, including:
  • Doha
  • Jeddah
  • Riyadh
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Kuwait City
  • Phuket (newest addition)

Strategic Importance

The launch of the Mumbai-Phuket route is strategically significant for several reasons:

1. It marks Akasa Air's entry into the Southeast Asian market.
2. The airline aims to meet the growing demand for direct connections between India and Thailand.
3. The route is expected to support increased business travel and strengthen trade links between the two countries.

Akasa Air's Growth

The announcement comes as Akasa Air celebrates several achievements:

• Completion of three years of operations
• Transportation of over 19 million passengers since its launch in 2022
• Current fleet size of 30 aircraft

Market Impact

The new route is poised to enhance connectivity between India and Thailand, potentially stimulating tourism and business exchanges. It also positions Akasa Air as a growing player in the international aviation market, competing with established carriers on popular routes.

As Akasa Air continues to expand its network and fleet, it demonstrates the dynamism of India's aviation sector and the increasing demand for air travel in the region. The Mumbai-Phuket route launch is a clear indication of the airline's ambitions to become a significant player in both domestic and international markets.