Akasa Air, India’s emerging airline, is currently facing a wave of discontent among its passengers due to frequent flight cancellations and delays.
Customers have been vocal about their grievances, citing issues such as inadequate customer care responses and delays in receiving refunds.
In recent times, the airline has encountered challenges including a shortage of pilots, the temporary grounding of aircraft for seat installations, and network revamps.
Flight Disruptions Plague Akasa Air, Drawing Passenger Ire
In the month of August alone, Akasa Air recorded 15 flight cancellations in Karnataka and Kerala, causing significant disruptions for travelers in the region.
Additionally, approximately 8 flights in these states experienced delays exceeding two hours, prompting a flurry of complaints on social media platforms.
Passengers have expressed frustration over the frequent flight cancellations and the subsequent delays in receiving refunds.
Some passengers even reported being notified of flight cancellations just days before their scheduled journeys, forcing them to book more expensive alternative flights.
Furthermore, passengers noted that Akasa Air frequently rescheduled flights, citing operational reasons.
India’s Newest Airline Faces Backlash Amidst Flight Cancellation Woes
The majority of complaints have arisen from passengers in the Bengaluru and Kochi sectors.
A Goa-based brand strategist shared their experience, stating that they had booked three tickets from Mumbai to Goa with Akasa Air for August 27.
However, on August 14, they received a message notifying them of a change in departure time from 5.45 pm to 12.15 pm.
Despite multiple attempts to contact Akasa Air via email, social media, and phone calls, they received no response.
Problems Increased Due to Pilots Not Serving Notice Period
An executive from Akasa Air explained that the airline is facing challenges due to pilots not adhering to their notice periods after resigning, leading to flight cancellations.
However, the airline reassured that these issues would be resolved soon.
Another executive mentioned that some planes have been grounded as they undergo seat replacements, with the expectation that they will be ready for flight operations starting in September.
Flight Disruptions Plague Akasa Air, Drawing Passenger Ire
Out of the 20 planes operated by Akasa Air, 11 did not conform to the airline’s original plans, necessitating seat replacements over the next few months.
According to industry sources, Akasa Air grounded two planes every week in August as part of this seat replacement initiative. Akasa Air commenced operations in 2022.
Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation reveals that the airline’s cancellation rate in July was 0.45, significantly lower than the industry-wide cancellation rate of 0.75 for all domestic airlines.
In July, two passengers were denied boarding, and flight disruptions affected 1,249 passengers due to cancellations and 4,385 passengers due to delays.
