Akasa Air Adds 2 New International Routes from Bengaluru | Exclusive

BENGALURU- Mumbai-based carrier, Akasa Air (QP), has announced two new international routes from Bengaluru (BLR), adding to its growing network of overseas destinations.

The airline will begin flights to Jeddah (JED) and Phuket (HKT), expanding its presence from what has become its second-largest operational hub.

Akasa’s choice of Bengaluru for these new routes reflects the airport’s geographical advantages.

The city lies in South India, making it accessible to travelers from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala. This catchment area expands the potential passenger base beyond Karnataka residents.

Akasa Air New International Routes

Photo: Utkarsh Thakkar (Vimanspotter)

Jeddah Flights

The carrier has opened bookings for flights between Bengaluru and Jeddah, with services beginning September 21, 2025. The route will operate twice weekly using Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft, connecting South India directly to Saudi Arabia’s commercial hub and religious center.

• Flight QP576 will depart Bengaluru at 12:15 PM, reaching Jeddah at 3:40 PM local time.
• The return service, QP575, leaves Jeddah at 4:40 PM and arrives in Bengaluru at 1:30 AM the following day.

The timing allows for same-day connections and accommodates both business and religious travelers.

Jeddah serves as a major entry point for pilgrims traveling to Mecca and Medina. Other carriers, including IndiGo Airlines (6E) and Saudia (SV), already serve the Jeddah route from Bengaluru, indicating established demand for this corridor.

Photo: avgeekwithlens/ Harsh Tekriwal

Phuket Operations Begin October 2025

Starting October 1, 2025, Akasa will start daily flights to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island and a popular tourist destination. The service targets leisure travelers seeking beach destinations in Southeast Asia.

• Flight QP623 departs Bengaluru at 6:25 AM, arriving in Phuket at 12:40 PM.
• The return flight QP624 leaves Phuket at 1:40 PM and reaches Bengaluru at 4:40 PM the same day.

The early morning departure maximizes destination time for travelers, while the afternoon return allows for late checkout from hotels.

Phuket attracts Indian tourists year-round, though peak season typically runs from November through March when weather conditions are most favorable. Thailand remains visa-free for Indian passport holders for stays up to 30 days, which should attract tourists.

Akasa will have to face competition from existing carriers. IndiGo operates Bengaluru-Phuket flights already. However, the sector is underserved. Phuket saw over 120,000 visitors from Bengaluru, suggesting there is demand for even two airlines to operate.

Photo: HOK

Bengaluru Hub Development

These additions strengthen Bengaluru’s position in Akasa’s network. The city has emerged as the airline’s second-busiest airport after Mumbai, in terms of both domestic and international operations.

However, Bengaluru is the largest base for the airline in terms of domestic operations. The airline has on offer a slightly higher number of seats from Bengaluru than from Mumbai.

Bengaluru’s large IT workforce, with above-average income levels, provides a customer base for international travel. The presence of major technology companies and numerous multinational corporations creates demand for both business and leisure international travel.

The airline has focused primarily on domestic routes since launch, building market share before venturing into international markets.

The Jeddah and Phuket additions bring Akasa’s international destinations to three cities from Bengaluru, including existing services to Abu Dhabi. Mumbai remains the airline’s largest base for international flights.

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