Akasa Air vs IndiGo — Compared

Verdict in 60 seconds: Akasa Air and IndiGo are both low-cost Indian carriers in the same fare class. IndiGo has the larger network and best on-time performance (DGCA #1 for 14+ years). Akasa Air has India's youngest fleet (post-2022) and the most modern in-flight experience. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on any given route is typically under ₹500.

At-a-glance comparison

AttributeAkasa AirIndiGoNotes / verdict
Airline category Low-cost Low-cost Same category — direct comparison
Primary hub BOM (+ DEL, BLR, HYD) DEL (+ BOM, BLR, HYD) Different hubs — pick the one closer to you
Fleet size (approx.) 30+ aircraft 420+ aircraft Larger fleet: IndiGo (more route redundancy on cancellation/delay)
Global alliance None — independent None — independent Neither is in a global alliance
Founded 2022 2006 IndiGo has the longer operating history
Aircraft types in fleet B737 MAX 8 A320neo, A321neo, A320ceo, ATR 72
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 0124-660 6606 0124-617 3838

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.

Read more about Akasa Air →

About IndiGo

IndiGo is India's largest airline by passengers carried and fleet size. Founded in 2006, the airline operates over 2,000 daily flights to 90+ domestic and 30+ international destinations. Known for on-time performance and low fares, IndiGo carries roughly 6 out of every 10 domestic passengers in India.

Fare structure: Economy 3 tiers — Saver (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin, standard change/cancel fees) → Flexi Plus (15 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary standard seat, partial change/cancel fees) → IndiGo UpFront (20 kg check-in + 7 kg cabin + complimentary meal + complimentary front-row Economy seat, ZERO change fee + LOW cancellation charges, Fast Forward not included). Business class: Stretch and Stretch Plus (lie-flat-style premium seating on select metro/long-haul A321 routes, generous baggage + meals + lounge access). Note: the legacy "Super 6E" fare brand was renamed to IndiGo UpFront in 2024 with revised benefits, and IndiGo no longer sells a "Lite" cabin-only fare on domestic.

Read more about IndiGo →

Best for...

You want the cheapest possible fare
Best: Either — compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares; differences are usually ₹200-500 either way based on route and day.
You need to arrive on time (business trip, connection)
Best: IndiGo
IndiGo has been India's most punctual airline for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports. Akasa Air is generally good but doesn't match IndiGo's consistent 85-90% on-time arrival rate.

Frequently asked questions

Is Akasa Air cheaper than IndiGo?
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on overlapping routes is usually under ₹500 either way. On HappyFares, the displayed price is the all-in price (no convenience fee) for either airline.
Which has better on-time performance — IndiGo or Akasa Air?
IndiGo has been India's most punctual carrier for 14+ consecutive years per DGCA monthly on-time performance reports (typically 85-90% on-time arrival). Akasa Air's on-time performance ranges 70-85% depending on the month. For time-sensitive trips, IndiGo is the safer choice.
Does Akasa Air or IndiGo have more checked baggage allowance?
Akasa Air's economy domestic checked allowance is 15 kg. IndiGo's is 15 kg. Both are equivalent. Pre-purchased excess baggage online is typically 25-30% cheaper than airport rates on either airline.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Akasa Air runs an independent loyalty programme; miles are not transferable to other airlines. IndiGo runs an independent loyalty programme. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy — Akasa Air or IndiGo?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV — the regulator-mandated framework is identical. IndiGo's UpFront fare has zero change fee and the lowest cancellation charges in its 3-tier economy structure. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Akasa Air fly the same routes as IndiGo?
Akasa Air's hubs is BOM (plus DEL, BLR, HYD). IndiGo's hubs is DEL (plus BOM, BLR, HYD). Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ — Akasa Air covers all 6 metros and 70+ Indian cities, and IndiGo covers similar Indian network. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Akasa Air and IndiGo on HappyFares?
Yes — HappyFares lists fares from both Akasa Air and IndiGo (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same all-in pricing applies regardless of carrier: zero OTA convenience fee on domestic flights, transparent fare breakdown, no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.

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