Akasa Air commenced commercial flight operations from the newly inaugurated Noida International Airport (NIA) on Tuesday, marking its entry into the aviation hub and enhancing connectivity to Bengaluru and Navi Mumbai. The airline becomes the second carrier, following IndiGo, to begin services from the airport, further expanding travel options for passengers in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the airline’s inaugural flight arrived at Noida from Navi Mumbai on June 16. Flight QP 2017 departed Navi Mumbai at 7:25 AM, landing in Noida at 9:35 AM. The return journey, flight QP 2018, departed Noida at 10:15 AM and reached Navi Mumbai by 12:30 PM, establishing the initial route.
In addition to its connectivity with the Mumbai region, Akasa Air has also initiated daily direct flights between Noida and Bengaluru. Flight QP 1575 is scheduled to depart from Bengaluru at 4:25 PM, arriving in Noida at 7:15 PM. The return service, QP 1576, will leave Noida at 7:55 PM, reaching Bengaluru at 11:00 PM. These new routes are expected to benefit passengers travelling between western Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, and neighbouring states, offering direct access to two of India’s prominent economic centres.
The airline stated that its expansion into Noida is a strategic move to strengthen its presence in the National Capital Region, recognized as one of the country’s most significant aviation markets. Akasa Air is positioned as one of the early airlines operating from Noida International Airport, which is anticipated to develop into a crucial gateway for travellers from Delhi, western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan.
Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, commented on the launch, stating that the airline’s entry into Noida aligns with its long-term objective of enhancing connectivity in high-growth markets and supporting the advancement of modern aviation infrastructure. This initiative underscores the growing importance of NIA as a new aviation gateway.
Christoph Schnellmann, Vice Chairman of Noida International Airport, welcomed Akasa Air, noting that its arrival will broaden travel choices for passengers and contribute to boosting connectivity, economic activity, and regional development across Uttar Pradesh and northern India. The presence of additional airlines is crucial for the airport’s growth and its role in regional development.
Furthermore, Akasa Air is set to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility within the premises of Noida International Airport. This facility is designed to accommodate a wide spectrum of aircraft maintenance requirements, with the aim of improving operational efficiency. The establishment of the MRO is also expected to bolster the airport’s overall aviation ecosystem, providing essential technical support and potentially creating local employment opportunities within the aviation sector.
The Chenab Times News Desk