Akasa Air (QP) has announced the expansion of its international network with the launch of direct flights between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) and Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), marking a significant step in the airline’s entry into Vietnam and broader Southeast Asian growth strategy.
The new service strengthens connectivity between India and Vietnam and reflects rising demand for short-haul international travel from major Indian metro cities. The route will officially commence in September 2026, adding a new chapter to Akasa Air’s rapidly expanding overseas footprint.
Akasa’s Mumbai–Hanoi Route Launch and Details
Akasa Air will begin operations on the Mumbai–Hanoi sector on 4 September 2026, introducing four weekly nonstop flights. The airline has positioned Hanoi as its seventh international destination. The addition of Vietnam to its network reflects growing airline focus on regional connectivity and point-to-point travel demand.
The route is expected to reduce dependence on connecting flights via hubs in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, offering passengers a more direct and time-efficient travel option between India and Vietnam.
Akasa’s BOM-HAN Services: Flight Schedule
Akasa Air has confirmed the operational schedule for the new service, with flights running four times weekly on Monday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Flight QP 0625 will depart Mumbai at 05:35 hrs and arrive in Hanoi at 12:00 hrs local time. The return service, QP 0626, will depart Hanoi at 13:30 hrs and land in Mumbai at 17:10 hrs local time.
| Flight Number | From (Departure) | To (Arrival) | Operating Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| QP 0625 | Mumbai (BOM) – 05:35 hrs | Hanoi (HAN) – 12:00 hrs | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| QP 0626 | Hanoi (HAN) – 13:30 hrs | Mumbai (BOM) – 17:10 hrs | Monday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
The airline stated that all bookings for the new route are available through its official website, mobile applications on Android and iOS, as well as major online travel agencies, ensuring wide accessibility for passengers.
Akasa’s Vietnam Market Expansion
The launch into Hanoi aligns with Akasa Air’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in high-growth Asian markets driven by tourism and trade demand.
Hanoi has emerged as a popular destination among Indian travelers due to its cultural heritage, historic architecture, and culinary appeal. The airline expects the direct connection to further stimulate tourism flows and deepen bilateral travel demand between India and Vietnam.
Industry trends show increasing preference for short-haul international leisure travel from India, particularly to destinations in Southeast Asia that offer affordability and accessibility.
Which Aircraft will Akasa Use on its Services to Hanoi?
According to data from planespotters.net, the carrier has 37 Boeing 737 MAX 8s in its route- the only aircraft type in its fleet. These average 4.3 years:
| Reg | Delivered | Age |
|---|---|---|
| VT-YAA | Jun 2022 | 6.8 Years |
| VT-YAB | Jul 2022 | 6.6 Years |
| VT-YAC | Aug 2022 | 6.6 Years |
| VT-YAD | Sep 2022 | 6.3 Years |
| VT-YAE | Aug 2022 | 6.8 Years |
| VT-YAF | Sep 2022 | 6.6 Years |
| VT-YAG | Nov 2022 | 6.7 Years |
| VT-YAH | Nov 2022 | 7 Years |
| VT-YAI | Oct 2022 | 6.9 Years |
| VT-YAJ | Dec 2022 | 7.1 Years |
| VT-YAK | Dec 2022 | 6.9 Years |
| VT-YAL | Dec 2022 | 6.7 Years |
| VT-YAM | Dec 2022 | 6.6 Years |
| VT-YAO | Jan 2023 | 6.9 Years |
| VT-YAP | Jan 2023 | 6.5 Years |
| VT-YAQ | Dec 2022 | 6.3 Years |
| VT-YAR | Jan 2023 | 7 Years |
| VT-YAS | Feb 2023 | 6.5 Years |
| VT-YAT | Mar 2023 | 6.4 Years |
| VT-YAU | Dec 2023 | 5.2 Years |
| VT-YAV | Jul 2023 | 3.1 Years |
| VT-YAW | Dec 2023 | 4.1 Years |
| VT-YAX | Feb 2024 | 4.2 Years |
| VT-YBA | Jan 2024 | 4 Years |
| VT-YBB | Sep 2024 | 1.8 Years |
| VT-YBC | Oct 2024 | 1.8 Years |
| VT-YBD | Jan 2025 | 1.4 Years |
| VT-YBE | Apr 2025 | 1 Years |
| VT-YBF | Jun 2025 | 1 Years |
| VT-YBG | Jun 2025 | 0.9 Years |
| VT-YBH | Dec 2025 | 0.8 Years |
| VT-YBI | Mar 2026 | 0.7 Years |
| VT-YBJ | Mar 2026 | 0.6 Years |
| VT-YBL | Feb 2026 | 0.4 Years |
| VT-YBM | Jan 2026 | 0.3 Years |
| VT-YBN | Jan 2026 | 0.3 Years |
| VT-YBO | Feb 2026 | 0.3 Years |
| VT- | On Order | 0.6 Years |
Akasa’s 737s are configured in different ways. The following table gives us a cue:
Boeing 737 MAX 8 Configuration Comparison (Akasa Air)
| Variant | Seats | Class | Seat Pitch | Seat Width | Recline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 737 MAX 8 | 197 | Economy | 28″ | 17″ | 2″ | High-density layout, most seats in MAX family |
| 737 MAX 8 V.1 | 189 | Economy | 29–30″ | 17″ | 2″ | Slightly more legroom vs 197-seat version |
| 737 MAX 8 V.2 | 186 | Economy | 29–30″ | 17″ | 3″ | Best recline among standard variants |
| 737 MAX 8 V.3 | 185 | Economy | 29–30″ | 17″ | 2″ | Lower density, balanced comfort layout |
| 737 MAX 8-200 | 197 | Economy | 28″ | 17″ | 2″ | High-density “-200” variant with max capacity |
Akasa’s Network Growth Strategy
With the addition of Hanoi, Akasa Air continues to build its international footprint alongside its domestic expansion. The airline has consistently targeted underserved and high-demand routes as part of its network planning strategy.
The new service also strengthens its positioning in the India–Vietnam corridor, which has seen rising passenger volumes over the past few years driven by tourism recovery and expanding economic ties.
According to Anand Srinivasan, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Akasa Air, the introduction of Hanoi as a destination enhances the airline’s international portfolio and aligns with its vision of connecting India to fast-growing global markets.
He noted that Vietnam continues to attract Indian travellers due to its accessibility, cultural richness, and tourism diversity, making it a strong addition to Akasa Air’s route network, and was quoted as having said:
The launch of direct flights to Hanoi strengthens our presence in South Asia and marks another step in our effort to build a network that connects India with dynamic global destinations. Vietnam has emerged as one of the most attractive short-haul destinations for Indian travellers, known for its accessibility, vibrant tourism offerings, and rich cultural heritage. We are confident that travellers will appreciate the enhanced connectivity, backed with the reliable and warm service that defines the Akasa experience.
Onboard Experience and Services
Akasa Air continues to position itself as a customer-focused carrier with a modern, service-oriented brand identity supported by a young fleet.
The airline offers increased seat comfort, USB charging ports on most aircraft, and a curated onboard dining product under Café Akasa, which includes a variety of meal options tailored to different passenger preferences.
In addition, the airline provides more than 25 ancillary services, including Akasa GetEarly, Seat & Meal Deal, Extra Seat, and Akasa Holidays, allowing passengers to customise their travel experience.
It has also introduced several digital and customer experience features such as SkyScore by Akasa, SkyLights, and QuietFlights, aimed at enhancing onboard comfort and engagement.
Vietnam Has a Certain Tourism Appeal
Vietnam remains one of Southeast Asia’s most visited destinations, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City serving as primary gateways for international travelers. Here are some of the most important attractions in this city.
| Attraction | Description | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cu Chi Tunnels | Underground war tunnel network used during Vietnam War | 2–3 hours |
| War Remnants Museum | Exhibits on Vietnam War and French colonial conflicts | 2–3 hours |
| Notre Dame Cathedral | Neo-Romanesque cathedral built in the 19th century | 1–2 hours |
| Saigon Opera House | French-style opera house built in 1897 | 1–2 hours |
| Thien Hau Temple | One of the oldest Chinese temples in Chinatown (ChoLon) | 1 hour |
| Mekong Delta | River-based region with rice fields and rural landscapes | Half/full day |
| Can Gio Mangrove Forest | UNESCO biosphere reserve with diverse wildlife | Half/full day |
Hanoi, another popular place in Vietnam, is known for its historic Old Quarter, lakes, and cultural landmarks, while Ho Chi Minh City offers a more modern urban experience combined with historical sites and a vibrant food scene. The following table gives us a sense of the top places to visit in Hanoi.
| Attraction | Description | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Hoan Kiem Lake | Central landmark with scenic views and cultural importance | 2–3 hours |
| Temple of Literature | Historic Confucian site and one of Hanoi’s oldest monuments | 1–2 hours |
| Thang Long Imperial Citadel | UNESCO-listed heritage site reflecting Vietnamese history | 1–2 hours |
| Vietnam Museum of Ethnology | Extensive cultural exhibits showcasing Vietnam’s ethnic diversity | 2–4 hours |
| Hanoi Opera House | French colonial-era architecture and cultural performances | 1–2 hours |
| West Lake (Tay Ho Lake) | Large lake surrounded by gardens, hotels, and villas | Flexible visit |
| Temple of the Jade Mountain | Historic temple on Hoan Kiem Lake island dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao | 1–2 hours |
| Vietnam Fine Arts Museum | Collection of ancient and modern Vietnamese art | 1–2 hours |