Akasa Air Cleared For International Operations By Finance Ministry, Notified As ‘Designated Indian Carrier’

Mumbai-headquartered budget airline Akasa Air has been recognised by the Finance Ministry as a ‘designated Indian carrier’, facilitating the carrier’s international flights.

‘In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (5) of section 5 of the Central Sales Tax Act, 1956, the Central Government hereby specifies SNV Aviation Private Limited (Akasa Air) having its registered office at 12th Floor, Urmi Estate, 95 Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra- 400013 as ‘designated Indian carrier’ for the purpose of the said sub-section,” the ministry said in a notification.

Effectively, this designation will relieve the carrier from fuel tax obligations for its international flights.

It is to be noted that on 16 February, Akasa Air announced international operations with the addition of Doha, capital of Qatar, as the first international destination to its network.

Starting 28 March 2024, Akasa Air will operate four non-stop flights a week, connecting Mumbai with Doha, enhancing air connectivity between Qatar and India.

According to Akasa Air, it has become the first Indian airline to fly overseas in a record period of 19 months since inception.

Earlier in September 2023, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had designated Akasa Air as an “International Scheduled Operator”, which allowed the airline to fly to international destinations.

India's youngest airline launched its first commercial flight on 07 August 2022 and expanded its fleet to include its 20th aircraft in August 2023.

Under the Indian government's updated aviation policy, the 0/20 rule, carriers are permitted to initiate international flights provided they have a minimum of 20 aircraft in their fleet, without the earlier requirement of five years of domestic service.