Aviation India’s newest airline awaits nod to start GCC flights By Pramod Kumar December 11, 2023, 4:44 AM Akasa Air Akasa Air has applied for permission to operate flights to Doha, Qatar, Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, as well as Kuwait Akasa Air, India’s newest airline, is currently awaiting approval from the governments of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait to launch operations to the Gulf states, according to a media report. “It’s going to be another few months. We’re hoping another three to four months. But we are a little dependent in terms of permissions we (need to) get from third parties from foreign countries,” the airline CEO Vinay Dube told CNBC-TV18, an Indian financial news channel. Air India’s protectionism could alienate the Gulf India’s airlines face fight for market gains from the Gulf India’s new budget airline to fly to three GCC countries The airline has already applied for permission to operate flights to Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah and Kuwait City. The company plans to follow a phased approach to international operations, Dube stated. “The first half unequivocally, you should see us fly to these international destinations,” he added. Akasa Air aims to have a fleet of 22 aircraft by the end of 2023, reaching 25 by March 2024 and doubling its fleet by the end of March 2025, the report said. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
