Akasa Air, backed by Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's vision, launched in 2022 and has rapidly expanded. But how does India's newest airline stack up against IndiGo and SpiceJet? We tested it to find out.
Quick Score Card
The Good
- Brand new aircraft: All Boeing 737 MAX, newest fleet in India — meaning better fuel efficiency, less noise, and modern cabins
- Exceptional crew: Consistently rated for friendly, helpful cabin crew. This is Akasa's biggest differentiator.
- On-time performance: Among the top 3 airlines in DGCA punctuality rankings
- Clean cabins: New planes = clean interiors, functional seats, and no wear
- Reasonable pricing: Fares competitive with IndiGo, sometimes cheaper on popular routes
The Not-So-Good
- Limited routes: Still expanding. May not serve your city pair yet. Check before searching.
- No international flights yet: Purely domestic for now (international planned)
- Basic loyalty program: Café Akasa program is new and limited compared to IndiGo's 6E Rewards
- No free checked bag: Base fares have no checked baggage (same as IndiGo)
Akasa Air vs IndiGo — Quick Comparison
Verdict
Akasa Air is a genuine contender. If they fly your route, they're worth considering — especially for the crew experience and new aircraft feel. As their network expands, they'll give IndiGo serious competition.