Bengaluru has become the largest pet travel hub for Akasa Air, making up over 30% of the airline’s pet journeys. Since the launch of “Pets on Akasa,” more than 3,700 pet journeys have started from the city, with a notable 53% increase in demand between FY24 and FY26. Popular routes include Bengaluru-Delhi, Bengaluru-Kolkata, and Bengaluru-Guwahati, which represent over 55% of all pet flights from Bengaluru.
The number of destinations for pet travel has expanded from 10 to 16, now including cities like Bhubaneswar and Pune. Overall, Akasa Air has carried over 13,500 pets and has made service improvements based on customer feedback, such as allowing up to three pets per flight and increasing in-cabin weight limits.
Complimentary services for pet travelers include priority check-in and boarding, while staff have received specialized training. Akasa has partnered with Umeed for Animals Foundation to enhance pet comfort and safety. The “Pets on Akasa” initiative was launched on November 1, 2022, permitting cats and dogs to travel on domestic flights across 28 cities. The growth in pet travel signifies changing trends among pet owners, with an increase in travel to leisure and regional destinations.
