Akasa Air found itself grappling with operational disruptions as the airline was forced to cancel approximately 10 flights over the course of Sunday and Monday due to a shortage of available captains to operate the scheduled services.
Passengers were left stranded at various airports across the country as the cancellations were announced abruptly, causing inconvenience and uncertainty among travelers.
Confirming the situation, a spokesperson for Akasa Air issued a statement expressing regret for the inconvenience caused by the flight cancellations on February 11th and 12th, 2024. The spokesperson emphasized that such disruptions were deemed as an anomaly, particularly for an airline that prides itself on being recognized as India’s most punctual carrier, continually striving to deliver a reliable service to its customers.
Ironically, these flight cancellations coincided with the birthday of Akasa Air’s CEO, Vinay Dube, adding a layer of irony to the unfolding circumstances.
Despite the setbacks, Akasa Air has been making significant rides in its expansion efforts, notably securing orders for a substantial fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. The airline, which launched operations in August 2022, has demonstrated impressive growth, having served over 6.3 million passengers and establishing connections with 20 cities across India.
However, internal tensions within the airline have surfaced, notably regarding strained relations with its pilot workforce following a legal dispute over pilots departing from the company on short notice.
Nevertheless, Akasa Air remains committed to its growth trajectory, with the recent acquisition of its 23rd Boeing aircraft and another on the horizon. In a social media post dated February 9th, the airline expressed excitement for the continued expansion of its fleet and the prospect of exploring new destinations.