25 Jul 2025
#4 July 2025: India Aviation Newsletter
Air India Announces New Ahmedabad–London Heathrow Route
Air India has announced a route change for its UK-bound service from Ahmedabad. From 1 August to 30 September 2025, the airline will operate three weekly flights between Ahmedabad and London Heathrow, replacing its current schedule to London Gatwick. The switch is expected to provide improved connectivity and convenience for premium and transit passengers, leveraging Heathrow’s status as a major international hub.
Akasa Air Launches Dedicated SME Corporate Booking Platform
Akasa Air has unveiled a new SME corporate booking platform, aiming to make business travel more streamlined and cost-effective for India’s small and medium enterprises. The platform offers exclusive corporate fare benefits across Akasa’s domestic and international network.
Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer Praveen Iyer stated:
“Over the past two and a half years, we've observed robust and consistent growth in our corporate portfolio, reflecting the increasing demand for business travel in India. This initiative marks a strategic advancement in our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth… This platform reinforces Akasa Air’s commitment to making air travel more accessible, affordable, and future-forward for all segments of the economy.”
IndiGo and Jetstar Sign Codeshare Agreement to Boost Connectivity
IndiGo has signed a codeshare agreement with Jetstar, expanding its reach into Australia and New Zealand. IndiGo customers will now be able to book seamless journeys across Jetstar-operated routes via Singapore, Bangkok, and Phuket. This marks another strategic move in IndiGo’s internationalisation push, making it easier for Indian travellers to access new long-haul destinations via budget-friendly regional hubs.
IndiGo SVP – Network Planning & Revenue Management Abhijit Dasgupta said:
“This codeshare agreement with Jetstar will further strengthen business, trade, and tourism-related travel between the countries while fostering cultural exchanges. This expansion is a part of IndiGo’s Internationalization strategy and commitment to delivering an affordable, on-time, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our unparalleled network.”
Acumen’s Take
On Air India’s Heathrow Switch
The shift from Gatwick to Heathrow marks a strategic recalibration by Air India, aimed at optimising premium and connecting traffic. Heathrow’s superior international hub connectivity is likely to offer Air India better yields and enhanced service offerings to high-value travellers. This temporary move also signals the airline’s readiness to flex its UK strategy based on seasonal demand and slot availability.
On Akasa Air’s SME Booking Platform
Akasa’s foray into SME-focused services reflects an evolving corporate travel landscape in India. By catering to the often-underserved SME segment, Akasa is not only unlocking new revenue streams but also positioning itself as a business-friendly carrier. As regional connectivity and entrepreneurship grow in tandem, the platform could become a meaningful differentiator in India’s competitive aviation market.
On IndiGo’s Codeshare with Jetstar
The Jetstar partnership significantly widens IndiGo’s footprint into Australasia — a region previously underserved by the carrier. With codeshares via major Southeast Asian transit points, the agreement enhances IndiGo’s value proposition for long-haul travellers while maintaining its cost-competitive model. For Jetstar, the alliance boosts feeder traffic from India, aligning with mutual network expansion goals in Asia-Pacific.
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