About Akasa Air: India's Newest Major Airline
Akasa Air (QP) launched commercial operations in August 2022, backed by investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala (before his passing) and managed by Vinay Dube, former CEO of GoAir and Jet Airways. By 2026, Akasa has grown to operate 25+ domestic routes and launched international operations to Gulf destinations. The airline operates an all-Boeing 737 MAX 8 fleet — one of the youngest in India — offering improved fuel efficiency and quieter cabin noise compared to older narrowbody jets.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | QP |
| Founded | 2021 (launched Aug 2022) |
| Fleet | Boeing 737 MAX 8 (all aircraft) |
| Hub | Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Bangalore (BLR) |
| Domestic Routes | 25+ cities as of 2026 |
| International | Dubai, Doha, Kuwait, Bahrain (and expanding) |
| OTP Rank | Consistently top 3 (DGCA monthly OTP data) |
Akasa Air Fare Types: Lite vs Plus vs Stretch
Akasa uses a three-tier fare family system that determines your included baggage, flexibility, and seat-selection rights:
| Feature | Lite | Plus | Stretch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Checked baggage | None included | 15 kg | 20 kg |
| Cabin baggage | 7 kg + 3 kg personal item | 7 kg + 3 kg | 7 kg + 3 kg |
| Seat selection | Paid only | 1 free seat | Free preferred seat |
| Meal | Buy on board | Buy on board | 1 snack included |
| Date change | ₹3,000 + fare diff | ₹2,500 + fare diff | ₹2,000 + fare diff |
| Cancellation (72h+) | ₹3,250 | ₹2,750 | ₹2,500 |
| Best for | Lightest packer, price-first | Standard traveller | Business/frequent flyer |
Akasa Air Baggage Allowance 2026
Domestic Routes
| Fare | Free Checked | Cabin Baggage | Personal Item |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | None | 7 kg (55×35×25 cm) | 3 kg (under seat) |
| Plus | 15 kg | 7 kg | 3 kg |
| Stretch | 20 kg | 7 kg | 3 kg |
International Routes (Gulf/ME)
| Fare | Free Checked | Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Lite (Intl) | 20 kg | 7 kg + 3 kg |
| Plus (Intl) | 25 kg | 7 kg + 3 kg |
| Stretch (Intl) | 30 kg | 7 kg + 3 kg |
Note: International Lite fares include 20 kg — more generous than domestic Lite (no bag). This is consistent with Indian LCC conventions for Gulf routes where checked baggage is expected.
Akasa Air Web Check-In Guide
- Go to akasaair.com → click Check-In in the navigation.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- The system opens T-48h and closes T-60min for domestic / T-75min for international.
- Select passengers → choose seats (standard economy free if available; preferred paid).
- Confirm → download your boarding pass or have it emailed.
Is Akasa Air Worth Booking? (2026 Review)
Based on DGCA monthly data and passenger reviews as of May 2026:
| Metric | Akasa Air (QP) | IndiGo (6E) | SpiceJet (SG) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-Time Performance (2026 avg) | ~82% | ~75% | ~68% |
| Fleet Age (average) | ~2 years (all MAX) | ~7 years (mixed A320) | ~11 years (737/Q400) |
| Cabin Noise | Lower (LEAP-1B engines) | Standard | Higher (older CFM56) |
| Cabin Width | Same as IndiGo (A320 comparable) | A320/A321 | B737/Q400 |
| Route Coverage | 25+ cities | 90+ cities | 50+ cities |
| International Reach | 4–5 Gulf destinations | 30+ international | Limited |
| Fares vs IndiGo | 5–15% cheaper on overlap routes (2026 avg) | Market standard | 5–10% cheaper on select |
Verdict: Akasa Air is a strong choice for price-sensitive domestic travellers who prioritise punctuality and a newer cabin experience. The smaller network means it doesn't serve every city yet, but on routes where it operates, it often prices 5–15% below IndiGo while delivering better OTP. For Gulf routes, Akasa's international fares are competitive. The main drawback remains the limited route map — for tier-2/3 city connections, you'll still need IndiGo or Air India.