Akasa Air Partners with Etihad Airways to Expand International Network

In a surprising and quiet move, Akasa Air has launched its first-ever codeshare partnership, teaming up with Etihad Airways.

This unexpected collaboration came to light when Akasa Air-operated flights began appearing on Etihad’s booking platform, marked with an Etihad flight number.

The partnership underscores Akasa Air’s ambitions to expand its international presence, as well as Etihad’s strategy to secure passenger feed from India.

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Starting in March 2025, Akasa Air will operate flights from Ahmedabad and Bengaluru to Abu Dhabi under this codeshare agreement. These flights can now be booked on both Akasa Air and Etihad’s websites.

The arrangement benefits both airlines significantly: Akasa Air gains access to international routes and strengthens its global footprint, while Etihad addresses the need for an expanded network in India after the collapse of Jet Airways.

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The India-Abu Dhabi aviation agreement, known as a bilateral right, governs the number of flights allowed between the two countries. While Abu Dhabi has nearly exhausted its rights, India still has a considerable gap in utilization.

However, Akasa Air faces challenges expanding internationally due to the limited availability of these rights, which are already held by larger carriers like IndiGo and the Air India group. This partnership with Etihad provides a workaround, enabling Akasa Air to tap into international markets such as Abu Dhabi, even as it builds its capacity for growth.