Akasa Air not 'opportunistic', says CEO Dube

Vinay Dube, CEO of Akasa Air, emphasized the airline's commitment to fiscal discipline and operational planning during the ET Now Global Business Summit 2026. He clarified that Akasa Air does not engage in opportunistic practices, such as leasing aircraft to capitalize on peak demand periods or parking planes during downtimes. Instead, the airline focuses on maintaining a disciplined management of its fleet, which currently comprises 33 planes with plans to add another soon. Dube highlighted the importance of building redundancies—both in terms of capital and personnel—to ensure smooth operations. He noted that the airline's proactive approach allowed it to adapt to new Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) regulations implemented in November 2022, which had caused operational challenges for competitors like IndiGo. This strategic planning has enabled Akasa Air to maintain a cancellation-free network during the winter season, demonstrating its commitment to reliability and efficiency in the competitive aviation market.