Akasa Air Reports Surge in Domestic Pet Travel with 1,399 Canine Passengers Flown in 2026

Akasa Air has recorded a massive surge in pet-friendly domestic travel across India, flying 1,399 canine passengers in 2026 alone—and over 2,187 dogs since launching its "Pets on Akasa" service in April 2025.

MUMBAI, India — Indian low-cost carrier Akasa Air has reported a rapid increase in domestic pet travel, highlighting how dogs are becoming regular passengers across its route network. Under the airline's "Pets on Akasa" program, more than 2,187 dogs have taken to the skies since April 2025, with 1,399 canine passengers flying during the 2026 calendar year.

Highlighting the trend around International Dog Day, the airline revealed that demand for dog travel is heavily concentrated in major urban centers and popular vacation destinations, signaling a broader transformation in Indian travel culture where pets are treated as valued family members.

Frequent Canine Flyers: Miniature Poodle Romeo Leads Network with 28 Flights

Among Akasa Air's most traveled passengers is Romeo, a miniature poodle and service dog who has completed an impressive 28 flights with the airline.

Romeo began his flying journey with Akasa Air on March 3, 2023, and regularly commutes across key domestic routes connecting Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai, making him the carrier's most frequent canine flyer.

Other dogs have built substantial flight records with the airline:

• Zoey (Shih Tzu): Has completed 18 flights, primarily on the busy Mumbai–Delhi trunk corridor.
• Coffee (Shih Tzu): Has logged 14 completed journeys along the popular Goa–Mumbai leisure route.

These recurring flight records demonstrate growing confidence among pet parents who choose airlines that provide dedicated safety protocols for furry companions.

Summary of Akasa Air Pet Travel Metrics and Network Statistics

The table below outlines the core passenger metrics, top flying breeds, top origin cities, leading routes, and frequent flyer records for Akasa Air's pet travel operations:

Pet Travel Metric / Parameter	Official Akasa Air Reported Statistic	Operational & Travel Significance
Dogs Flown (Calendar Year 2026)	1,399 dogs	Continued momentum for pet-friendly flying
Dogs Flown (Since April 2025)	2,187+ dogs	Cumulative growth under "Pets on Akasa" program
Top Canine Origin Cities	Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata & Goa	Account for nearly 75% of all dog travel
Top 5 Pet Flying Routes	Bengaluru-Delhi, Bengaluru-Kolkata, Mumbai-Delhi, Goa-Delhi & Bengaluru-Guwahati	Major urban & leisure travel corridors
Leading Canine Breeds	Shih Tzus, Poodles, Maltese & Beagles	Represent over 60% of all dog passengers
Peak Pet Travel Months	October, November, December, January & March	Winter holiday & spring travel windows
Top Frequent Canine Flyer	Romeo (Miniature Poodle)	28 completed flights (flying since March 3, 2023)
Runner-Up Frequent Flyers	Zoey (18 flights) & Coffee (14 flights)	Frequent Shih Tzu flyers on Mumbai/Delhi/Goa routes

Top Cities, Leading Routes, and Seasonal Winter Travel Windows

Demand for dog travel is strongly concentrated in five major hubs: Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Goa. Together, these cities contribute nearly three-fourths (75 per cent) of all canine passenger bookings across Akasa Air's domestic network.

Several key routes have emerged as preferred travel corridors for pet parents:

1. Bengaluru – Delhi
2. Bengaluru – Kolkata
3. Mumbai – Delhi
4. Goa – Delhi
5. Bengaluru – Guwahati

Pet travel demand also exhibits seasonal patterns. Booking figures show peak movement during the winter and spring months—specifically October, November, December, January, and March. Festive holidays, family reunions, and cooler weather encourage pet owners to include their dogs in seasonal travel plans.

Popular Flying Breeds: Shih Tzus and Poodles Represent Over 60% of Dog Passengers

Akasa Air’s flight data provides clear insights into the dog breeds most frequently taking to the skies. Smaller companion breeds lead domestic air travel:

• Shih Tzus
• Poodles (including Miniature Poodles)
• Maltese
• Beagles

Together, these four breeds account for more than 60 per cent of all canine passengers. The prevalence of smaller breeds reflects the preference among urban Indian apartment dwellers for compact companion dogs that comply with airline cabin weight limits.

Evolving Indian Hospitality Trends: From Home Pets to Traveling Family Members

The rise of pet-friendly aviation reflects broader socio-economic changes across urban India. Pets are increasingly integrated into family lifestyles, influencing decisions regarding vacations, weekend getaways, and long-term relocations.

In response, hotels, homestays, and resort operators across popular destinations like Goa, Coorg, and Udaipur are introducing pet-friendly amenities.

Akasa Air’s "Pets on Akasa" service aligns with this market demand, providing a structured framework for pet owners to travel without separating from their animals or resorting to stressful long-distance train and road journeys.

Why This Matters for Indian Pet Owners and Domestic Aviation Trends

For pet owners across India, dedicated airline policies like "Pets on Akasa" remove major travel hurdles. Providing clear carrier dimensions, weight guidelines, and trained ground staff ensures that dogs travel safely in the cabin or cargo hold.

For domestic Indian airlines, offering pet-friendly flight options unlocks a high-value customer segment. Pet owners are willing to pay premium fees for reliable, compassionate pet transport services.

Furthermore, as pet-inclusive lifestyles expand across metropolitan hubs like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi, pet-friendly aviation is establishing itself as a permanent feature of India’s aviation sector.

Passenger Travel Guide: Flying Domestic Routes with Pets on Akasa

Pet parents planning to fly with their dogs on Akasa Air should follow these essential preparation steps:

• Review Weight and Carrier Limits: Check cabin weight allowances (pet plus carrier) versus cargo hold requirements on Akasa Air's official portal prior to booking.
• Obtain Fitness and Vaccination Certificates: Secure an official fit-to-fly certificate and up-to-date rabies vaccination records from a registered veterinarian within 72 hours of departure.
• Book Pet Slots Early: Because airlines restrict the number of pets allowed on each flight, reserve pet travel permits well in advance—especially during peak winter travel months (October to January).
• Acclimate Dogs to Travel Crates: Familiarize your dog with their IATA-compliant travel carrier several weeks before the flight to reduce anxiety during airport check-in and transit.

FAQ

How many dogs have flown with Akasa Air in 2026?

Akasa Air has flown 1,399 dogs during the 2026 calendar year, bringing the total number of canine passengers to over 2,187 since April 2025.

Who is Akasa Air's most frequent canine flyer?

Romeo, a miniature poodle and service dog, is Akasa Air's most frequent canine flyer, having completed 28 flights on routes connecting Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai since March 3, 2023.

Which domestic Indian routes record the highest pet travel demand?

The top routes for pet travel on Akasa Air include Bengaluru-Delhi, Bengaluru-Kolkata, Mumbai-Delhi, Goa-Delhi, and Bengaluru-Guwahati.

Which dog breeds fly most frequently on Akasa Air?

Shih Tzus, Poodles, Maltese, and Beagles are the most common breeds flying with Akasa Air, representing over 60 per cent of all canine passengers.

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