Akasa Air to Deepen Partnership with Etihad Amid Aviation Growth

As of July 22, 2025, travelers, airlines, and industry watchers are seeing major changes in the way India connects with the Middle East, thanks to the deepening partnership between Akasa Air and Etihad Airways. This update explains what has changed, who is affected, the effective dates, what actions are needed, and what these changes mean for those planning to travel or do business between India and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

Summary of What Changed

The most important change is the launch and expansion of a codeshare partnership between Akasa Air and Etihad Airways. This agreement, which started in March 2025, allows both airlines to sell seats on each other’s flights between Abu Dhabi and key Indian cities. For travelers, this means more choices, easier bookings, and smoother connections. For the aviation industry, it signals a new era of cooperation and growth, especially as India’s air travel market continues to grow rapidly.

Key Points of the Akasa Air–Etihad Airways Codeshare Partnership:

• Launch Date: March 1, 2025
• Routes Covered: Abu Dhabi–Bengaluru, Abu Dhabi–Ahmedabad (daily), and Mumbai–Abu Dhabi (since July 2024)
• Weekly Flights: 21 flights between Abu Dhabi and India, operated by Akasa Air’s Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft
• Booking: Passengers can book these flights through either Akasa Air or Etihad Airways websites and ticketing channels
• Strategic Goals: Expand international reach, offer seamless travel, and boost tourism and trade between India and the UAE

Who Is Affected by These Changes?

The new partnership affects several groups:

• Travelers: Anyone flying between India and Abu Dhabi, especially from Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai, will see more flight options and easier connections.
• Indian Diaspora: Indians living in the UAE 🇦🇪 or those with family in India will benefit from more direct flights and better schedules.
• Business Travelers and Tourists: Companies and tourists looking for reliable, affordable, and frequent flights between India and the UAE will have more choices.
• Cargo and Trade: Businesses relying on air cargo between the two countries will see improved logistics and more capacity.
• Other Airlines: Competing airlines may feel pressure to improve their services or expand their own partnerships to keep up.
• Aviation Industry Employees: More flights and routes can mean more jobs and opportunities for airline staff, airport workers, and related industries.

Effective Dates and Timeline

• Codeshare Partnership Launch: March 1, 2025 (Bengaluru–Abu Dhabi), March 2, 2025 (Ahmedabad–Abu Dhabi)
• Mumbai–Abu Dhabi Route: Operating since July 2024
• Current Status (as of July 2025): 21 weekly flights under the codeshare agreement, with ongoing discussions to add more routes and frequencies

Required Actions for Travelers and Stakeholders

If you are planning to travel between India and Abu Dhabi, or if you are involved in the aviation or travel industry, here’s what you need to know and do:

• Booking Flights: You can now book Akasa Air flights between India and Abu Dhabi directly through either Akasa Air’s official website or Etihad Airways’ official website. The codeshare means you can use either airline’s platform for these routes.
• Checking Itineraries: If you have a pending booking or are planning a trip, check your itinerary to see if your flight is operated by Akasa Air, Etihad Airways, or a combination. The codeshare allows for seamless transfers and baggage handling.
• Frequent Flyer Programs: Check with both airlines about earning and using frequent flyer miles on codeshare flights. Policies may differ, so it’s best to confirm before booking.
• Visa and Immigration Requirements: The partnership does not change visa or immigration rules. Travelers must still meet all entry requirements for both India 🇮🇳 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪. For up-to-date information on Indian visa and immigration rules, visit the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India.
• Pending Applications: If you have a pending flight change, refund, or special service request with either airline, contact their customer service to confirm if the codeshare affects your booking.
• Travel Agents and Corporate Clients: Update your booking systems and inform clients about the expanded options and benefits of the Akasa Air–Etihad Airways partnership.

Implications for Pending Applications and Bookings

If you booked a flight before March 2025 and your travel date is after the codeshare launch, your booking may now be covered by the new partnership. This could mean:

• Easier Transfers: If your trip involves connecting flights between Akasa Air and Etihad Airways, you may now enjoy through check-in and baggage transfer.
• Schedule Changes: Some flight times or numbers may have changed to align with the codeshare. Double-check your itinerary for updates.
• Customer Support: Both airlines have updated their customer service teams to handle questions about codeshare flights. If you have concerns, reach out to the airline you booked with.

Why This Partnership Matters: The Bigger Picture

The Akasa Air and Etihad Airways codeshare partnership is more than just a business deal. It reflects larger trends and challenges in India’s aviation sector:

• India’s Aviation Boom: India’s air travel market is growing at about 15% each year. More people want to fly, but there aren’t enough flights or airlines to meet demand. This makes the market “under-penetrated,” meaning there’s room for more growth.
• Need for More Airlines: Akasa Air’s leaders have said that India needs more airlines to keep up with demand. They hope other struggling airlines, like SpiceJet, can recover, and they welcome new competitors. A healthy market means better prices and service for travelers.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Expanding international flights isn’t easy. Airlines need government approvals, and there are limits on how many flights can operate between countries. Akasa Air is asking for more “bilateral slots” (permissions to fly certain routes) and lower airport and fuel costs to make flying more affordable.
• Etihad’s Strategy: Etihad Airways wants to bring more passengers through its hub in Abu Dhabi. By partnering with Akasa Air, Etihad can offer more connections to Indian cities without buying a stake in an Indian airline. The CEO of Etihad, Antonoaldo Neves, has made it clear that Etihad is not planning to invest money directly in Indian airlines right now.

How the Codeshare Partnership Works

A codeshare partnership means two airlines agree to share certain flights. For passengers, this brings several benefits:

• One-Stop Booking: You can book a trip that includes flights on both airlines using just one ticket.
• Seamless Connections: If you need to change planes, your bags are checked through to your final destination.
• More Choices: You have access to more flights and destinations, even if only one airline operates the route.
• Shared Benefits: Frequent flyer perks, special services, and customer support may be available across both airlines.

For example, if you want to fly from Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi, you can book directly with either Akasa Air or Etihad Airways. Your ticket and baggage will be handled smoothly, even if you switch airlines during your journey.

Akasa Air’s Expansion and Fleet Growth

Akasa Air is a relatively new airline in India but is growing quickly. The partnership with Etihad Airways is its first codeshare agreement and marks its entry into international markets. Here’s what’s happening:

• Fleet Size: Akasa Air is close to having 30 aircraft, mostly Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.
• International Ambitions: The airline started its first international flights from Bengaluru and Ahmedabad to Abu Dhabi in March 2025.
• Future Plans: Akasa Air is talking with Etihad Airways about adding more routes and flights, depending on government approvals and available slots.

Etihad Airways’ Role and Growth

Etihad Airways is a major airline based in Abu Dhabi. It already operates nearly 170 flights each week to and from India, serving 11 Indian cities. The airline is seeing strong demand, with an average of 87% of seats filled on these routes. Etihad has also ordered 94 new aircraft to support its growth.

Etihad’s main goal is to bring more passengers through Abu Dhabi, making it a key hub for travel between India, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond. The partnership with Akasa Air helps Etihad reach more Indian cities without having to start new flights itself.

Policy and Regulatory Context

International air travel is tightly controlled by agreements between countries. The India–UAE bilateral air service agreements set the rules for how many flights and seats each airline can offer. Each emirate in the UAE (like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah) has its own agreement with India.

• Current Limits: Abu Dhabi’s seat allocation is fully used on the UAE side, but there is still some room on the Indian side. Akasa Air and Etihad Airways are working to use this extra capacity.
• Government Support: The Indian government is encouraging airline growth but is being asked to lower airport charges and fuel costs to make flying more affordable for everyone.

Industry Analysis and Market Implications

The Akasa Air–Etihad Airways partnership is seen as a model for future growth in India’s aviation sector. Here’s why:

• Boost to Tourism and Trade: More flights mean more tourists and business travelers, which helps both countries’ economies.
• Better Service for Passengers: With more competition and choices, travelers can expect better prices, schedules, and service.
• Pressure on Other Airlines: Competing airlines may need to improve their own partnerships or expand routes to keep up.
• Encouragement for New Entrants: The success of Akasa Air shows that new airlines can still find opportunities in India’s fast-growing market.

What’s Next? Future Outlook and Pending Developments

Both Akasa Air and Etihad Airways have said they want to deepen their partnership. This could mean:

• More Routes: Adding new cities in India and the Middle East to the codeshare agreement.
• Increased Frequencies: Offering more flights on existing routes as demand grows.
• Regulatory Changes: The Indian government may continue to open up the market, making it easier for airlines to expand.
• No Equity Investment: For now, Etihad Airways is not planning to buy a stake in Akasa Air or any other Indian airline. The focus is on strategic partnerships, not ownership.

Practical Guidance for Travelers and Industry Stakeholders

If you are planning to travel or do business between India and the UAE, here are some steps you can take right now:

• Check Flight Options: Visit Akasa Air’s official website or Etihad Airways’ official website to see the latest schedules and book tickets.
• Monitor Policy Updates: Stay informed about any changes in visa, immigration, or travel rules by checking the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India.
• Review Your Bookings: If you have an upcoming trip, check your itinerary for any changes due to the new codeshare partnership.
• Contact Customer Service: If you have questions about your booking, baggage, or special needs, reach out to the airline you booked with for help.
• Stay Updated: The partnership is evolving, so keep an eye on announcements from both airlines about new routes, services, or changes.

Expert Perspectives and Industry Voices

Aviation experts and industry leaders are watching the Akasa Air–Etihad Airways partnership closely. Many see it as a sign that India’s aviation market is entering a new phase, with more international cooperation and competition. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this partnership could set the stage for more codeshare agreements and alliances, especially as India’s government continues to open up the sector.

Industry leaders also stress the need for continued investment in airport infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and support for struggling airlines. They believe that a healthy, competitive market will benefit everyone—travelers, businesses, and employees alike.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The deepening partnership between Akasa Air and Etihad Airways is a major step forward for India’s aviation sector. It brings immediate benefits for travelers, opens new opportunities for business and tourism, and sets a positive example for future international cooperation. As the market continues to grow and change, staying informed and flexible will help travelers and industry players make the most of these new opportunities.

For the latest official information on flights, bookings, and travel requirements, always refer to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India.

By understanding these changes and taking the right steps, travelers and businesses can enjoy smoother journeys and take full advantage of the growing connections between India 🇮🇳 and the United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪.

Learn Today

Codeshare Partnership → An agreement where two airlines share flights, allowing one ticket for multiple carriers’ services.
Bilateral Air Service Agreement → An accord between countries regulating flight frequencies, routes, and airline rights.
Frequent Flyer Program → A rewards system giving passengers points or miles redeemable for flight benefits.
Slot Allocation → Permissions granted to airlines to operate flights at specific times in airports.
Under-Penetrated Market → A market where demand exceeds supply, showing opportunity for growth and new entrants.

This Article in a Nutshell

Akasa Air and Etihad Airways formed a codeshare partnership in March 2025, enhancing India-UAE flights with 21 weekly services. This collaboration offers travelers increased options, easier bookings, and supports rapid growth in India’s aviation market, fostering stronger business and tourism ties between both countries.
— By VisaVerge.com