Indian low-cost airline Akasa Air, which operates to 20 destinations across the country, announced recently that it would launch its first international destination as Doha beginning March 2024. At this juncture, the Ministry of Finance has recognised the airline as a ‘designated Indian carrier’.

This move would facilitate the carrier’s international flights, the first of which being four non-stop flights a week from Mumbai to Doha.

Three years ago, Qatar Tourism launched a global campaign to welcome more than six million visitors a year by 2030. The multi-media tourism marketing campaign is geared to push Qatar – the capital of Doha – as the most sought-after destination in the Middle East.

A statement from Akasa Air supports the view: “It may be noted that Doha is considered one of the key economic engines of West Asia and is also known for its cultural heritage. The city invites a blend of business, spiritual and leisure travellers from India throughout the year. The introduction of an increasing number of direct and convenient travel options will foster trade and tourism.”

Vinay Dube, Founder and CEO, Akasa Air has said the airline flight services will cater to a diverse set of travellers from both India and Qatar, thereby “facilitating tourism, commerce and strengthening bilateral ties”. He added that Akasa Air would become “one of the world’s top 30 airlines by the turn of this decade”.