India’s aviation sector is soaring into new territory this September as two of the country’s fastest-growing carriers—IndiGo and Akasa Air—unveil fresh international routes from Mumbai. With direct connections to Tashkent, Almaty, and Phuket, the expansion marks a strategic leap in positioning Mumbai as a global aviation hub and catering to the rising demand for seamless travel across Asia.
This move comes at a time when outbound tourism is booming, and Indian travelers are increasingly seeking direct, affordable, and flexible flight options to emerging destinations. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing, when, and why it matters.
Key highlights of the expansion:
- IndiGo will launch four weekly flights from Mumbai to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) starting September 1, 2025
- Four weekly flights from Mumbai to Almaty (Kazakhstan) will begin on September 2, 2025
- Akasa Air enters Southeast Asia with daily direct flights from Mumbai to Phuket (Thailand) starting September 20, 2025
- The new routes enhance connectivity to Central and Southeast Asia, supporting both leisure and business travel
- IndiGo’s additions follow its recent launch of Mumbai–Tbilisi flights and long-haul services to Manchester and Amsterdam
IndiGo’s Central Asia push:
IndiGo’s latest expansion into Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan is a calculated move to strengthen its footprint in Central Asia. The airline had previously suspended these routes due to operational constraints linked to Pakistan’s airspace closure but is now reactivating them with renewed frequency and focus.
Flight schedule details:
1. Mumbai to Tashkent
- Flight 6E 1821: Departs Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at 09:55, arrives 15:00
- Return Flight 6E 1822: Departs Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat at 16:20, arrives 21:55
2. Mumbai to Almaty
- Flight 6E 1817: Departs Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun at 19:00, arrives 00:25
- Return Flight 6E 1818: Departs Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat at 01:25, arrives 08:20
These routes are expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between India and Central Asia, while offering Indian travelers more direct access to historically rich and economically vibrant cities.
Akasa Air’s Southeast Asia debut:
Akasa Air, the three-year-old disruptor in India’s aviation space, is making its first foray into Southeast Asia with daily flights to Phuket. Known for its pristine beaches and bustling tourism economy, Phuket is a favorite among Indian holidaymakers and a strategic addition to Akasa’s growing international network.
Flight schedule details:
- Flight QP 0618: Departs Mumbai daily at 07:45, arrives Phuket at 14:35
- Return Flight QP 0619: Departs Phuket daily at 15:35
Phuket becomes Akasa’s sixth international destination, joining Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Kuwait City. The airline has emphasized its commitment to affordable global connectivity and plans to further expand into SAARC and ASEAN regions in the coming years.
Why this matters:
The timing of these launches aligns with India’s evolving travel landscape. As more Indians explore international destinations for leisure, education, and business, direct flights from financial hubs like Mumbai are becoming essential. These new routes not only reduce travel time but also eliminate layover hassles, making global travel more accessible.
Moreover, the expansion reflects a broader trend of Indian carriers stepping up their international game. While Air India temporarily scales back its Washington DC route due to fleet retrofits, IndiGo and Akasa are aggressively filling the gap with new destinations and increased frequency.
Conclusion:
With these strategic additions, IndiGo and Akasa Air are not just expanding their route maps—they’re reshaping how India connects with the world. Whether it’s the cultural charm of Tashkent, the scenic allure of Almaty, or the tropical magnetism of Phuket, travelers now have more reasons—and more routes—to take off from Mumbai.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Zee Business, Rediff Money, Mathrubhumi, Livemint, AirInsight
