Akasa Air, India's youngest airline, announced on Friday, January 9, that it has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as a member after successfully completing the mandatory IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). The achievement marks a significant milestone for the airline, positioning it within the global aviation community.

IATA Membership Details

The airline secured IATA membership after successfully completing the IATA Operational Safety Audit, which serves as a mandatory requirement for airlines seeking to join the global aviation body. IATA operates as a trade association of the global airline industry, with current members accounting for 80% of global air traffic. The association was established in 1945 to support the development of commercial standards upon which the global air transport industry is built.

Indian Aviation Representation

Akasa Air now joins four other Indian carriers that are part of the IATA community, including Air India, Air India Express, IndiGo, and SpiceJet. This membership provides the airline with representation alongside some of the biggest players in the international aviation industry.

"We are excited to welcome Akasa Air as an IATA member. India's aviation potential is huge, with the industry supporting 7.7 million jobs and USD 53.6 billion in economic contribution," said Sheldon Hee, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific for IATA.

Akasa Air Operations and Fleet

Founded in 2020 by aviation entrepreneur Vinay Dube, Akasa Air has steadily expanded its presence in the aviation sector. The airline currently operates with the following specifications:

The airline serves a network spanning 26 destinations within India and six international cities, steadily expanding its footprint across key domestic routes while strengthening its presence in select overseas markets.

Investment and Financial Backing

Akasa Air has attracted significant investment from prominent investors. The late ace investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had heavily backed the airline, investing almost $35 million for nearly 40% stake in the company. In recent developments, the airline attracted fresh investments from prominent institutional investors in 2025:

• Premji Invest
• 360 ONE Asset
• Claypond Capital

According to Akasa Air Founder and CEO Vinay Dube, the IATA membership will strengthen the airline's global credibility and position it as a future-ready Indian airline on the world stage.

The Delhi High Court has granted an interim injunction restraining multiple entities from allegedly impersonating Akasa Air and using its trademarks to run recruitment-related scams. Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora passed the interim order on December 22 on a commercial suit filed by SNV Aviation Private Limited, the operator of Akasa Air, against several entities.

Court Ruling and Legal Grounds

The lawsuit sought a permanent injunction, damages, rendition of accounts, and ancillary reliefs for trademark infringement, passing off, and unfair competition. The court determined that there is a prima facie case in favour of SNV Aviation based on the evidence presented.

"The court, upon consideration of the material on record, is of the opinion that a prima facie case is made out in favour of the plaintiff. The acts of the infringing defendants in approaching unwary members of the public, falsely representing that they are offering employment on behalf of the Plaintiff, and demanding 'process fees' for such employment, when the Plaintiff admittedly follows no such practice clearly amounts to misrepresentation, deception, and passing off," the court stated.

Fraudulent Activities and Trademark Violations

Akasa Air claimed that the defendants approached members of the public via phone and email, falsely identifying themselves as agents or employees of the company and offering job opportunities. The defendants allegedly requested payment of 'process fees' under the false pretence of recruitment.

To deceive job seekers, the defendants were using Akasa Air's registered trademarks and deceptively similar marks:

Court Orders and Protective Measures

The court barred several entities from using the airline's trademarks or any identical or deceptively similar marks in any way. It further directed comprehensive protective measures to prevent continued fraud:

• Suspension and locking of specified domain names
• Disclosure of KYC details of alleged impersonators
• Blocking of mobile numbers belonging to the defendants
• Blocking of specified UPI IDs and bank accounts

"The injunction is also necessary to protect the interests of the general public who are being ensnared by the infringing defendants. Accordingly, this court finds it just and necessary to grant an injunction restraining the defendants from continuing such fraudulent activities," the court added.

Next Steps

The case has been scheduled for hearings before the Joint Registrar on February 3, 2026, and the court on May 22, 2026. This legal action represents Akasa Air's efforts to protect both its brand integrity and potential job seekers from fraudulent recruitment schemes that exploit the airline's reputation.