Akasa Air Joins IATA After Completing IOSA Safety Audit
Akasa Air has become a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), making it India’s fifth airline to join the global airline body. IATA represents more than 360 airlines worldwide and accounts for over 80% of global air traffic.
The membership follows Akasa Air’s completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December, a requirement for airlines seeking to join IATA. The audit confirms that the airline meets internationally recognised operational safety standards.
About Akasa Air
Akasa Air was founded by Vinay Dube in 2020. Late investor Rakesh Jhunjhunwala had invested $35 million for a nearly 40% stake in the airline. Akasa launched its first commercial flight on August 7, 2022.
Since operations began, the airline has carried over 23 million passengers and currently connects 26 domestic and six international destinations.
What IATA membership enables
Through its IATA membership, Akasa Air will be able to:
Participate in global airline discussions and working groups
Contribute to the development of industry practices
Engage in initiatives focused on safety, digital transformation and sustainable aviation
Strengthen its international positioning within the aviation ecosystem
Sheldon Hee, IATA’s Asia-Pacific Vice President, highlighted the scale of India’s aviation sector, stating that it supports 7.7 million jobs and contributes $53.6 billion to the economy. He welcomed Akasa’s participation in the association.
Akasa Air Founder and CEO Vinay Dube said the development will support the airline’s long-term goals and strengthen its credibility in global aviation.
India’s IATA member airlines
With Akasa Air’s inclusion, India now has five IATA member airlines:
Air India
Air India Express
IndiGo
Akasa Air
SpiceJet
Fleet and growth plans
Akasa Air has outlined plans to scale its operations over the next decade, with an order pipeline of 226 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline currently operates a fleet of 31 aircraft and plans to add 5 more this year, bringing the total to 35.
In FY26, Akasa expects capacity growth of over 30% and anticipates having approximately 770–775 pilots by year-end.
Financial performance and ancillary revenue
In FY25, Akasa Air reported operational progress across key indicators, including:
Revenue growth of 49%
Improvement in EBITDA margins
Load factor crossing 87%
Capacity growth of 48%
Cost per seat (excluding fuel) down by 7%
The airline has also expanded its ancillary offerings, now offering more than 25 add-on services, including seat selection and other paid options.
Cargo expansion
Akasa Air has expanded its air cargo operations. By March 2025, the airline had carried close to 100,000 tonnes of cargo. It also works with over 1,150 corporate partners and has secured additional investment to support long-term operations.
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