At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Air India Express | Akasa Air | Notes / verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Low-cost | Low-cost | Same category — direct comparison |
| Primary hub | COK (+ BLR, HYD, MAA) | BOM (+ DEL, BLR, HYD) | Different hubs — pick the one closer to you |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 90+ aircraft | 30+ aircraft | Larger fleet: Air India Express (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay) |
| Global alliance | None — independent | None — independent | Neither is in a global alliance |
| Founded | 2005 | 2022 | Air India Express has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | B737 MAX 8, B737-800 | B737 MAX 8 | — |
| Domestic checked baggage (economy entry) | 15 kg | 15 kg | Same allowance |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg | 7 kg | — |
| In-flight meals | Buy-on-board only | Buy-on-board only | Same meal policy |
| India customer care number | 0124-264 1407 | 0124-660 6606 | — |
About Air India Express
Air India Express is the low-cost arm of the Air India group, focused on short-haul international routes (especially Gulf and Southeast Asia) alongside domestic operations. Following the merger with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), it operates an expanded Boeing 737 MAX fleet.
Fare structure: Economy 4 tiers — Xpress Lite (7 kg cabin only, no checked baggage included, taxes-refundable-only cancellation, date change ₹3,000 within 2 hrs) → Xpress Value (7 kg cabin + 15 kg checked, cancellation ₹4,300, date change ₹3,000) → Xpress Classic (7 kg cabin + 15 kg checked + complimentary standard seat + Lite Bite meal, cancellation ₹2,000 for >3 days, date change ₹300 for >3 days) → Xpress Flexo (7 kg cabin + 20 kg checked + complimentary Prime/Standard seats + Lite Bite + ZERO convenience fee, cancellation ₹1,500, date change FREE for >3 days). Business class: 7 kg cabin + 25 kg checked + hot meals or Lite Bite + Business Class seat (cancellation ₹4,300, date change ₹3,000).
About Akasa Air
Akasa Air is India's newest scheduled carrier, launched in August 2022. Operating an all-Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet, Akasa has quickly become known for strong on-time performance and competitive domestic fares. Rapidly expanding to international routes from 2024.
Fare structure: Only 2 tiers — Saver (1 piece × 15 kg checked + hand baggage, standard date-change + cancellation charges) → Flexi (recommended — complimentary meal + complimentary seat + hand baggage + 1 piece × 15 kg checked, lower date-change + lower cancellation charges than Saver). Select international routes may also sell a cabin-only Lite-style fare with no checked baggage. AkasaSmiles loyalty programme tracks every flight.