Bengaluru has become Akasa Air’s largest domestic hub for passengers flying with pets. The city now accounts for more than 30% of all pet journeys across the airline’s network.
More than 3,700 pet journeys have originated from Bengaluru since Akasa Air introduced its dedicated pet travel service. This performance highlights a significant change in how Indian families plan domestic trips.
Pet travel from the city increased by 53% between financial years 2024 and 2026. Annual journeys rose from 856 in FY24 to 1,310 in FY26.
The increase reflects growing demand for safer and more convenient ways to travel with companion animals. Pet owners increasingly include cats and dogs in holidays, family visits and relocation plans.
Bengaluru’s extensive air connectivity has helped the city develop into a major origin market for this growing aviation segment.
Pet-Friendly Network Reaches 16 Destinations
Akasa Air’s pet travel network from Bengaluru now covers 16 destinations across India. This expanding reach gives passengers greater flexibility when planning journeys with their animals.
Delhi, Kolkata and Guwahati remain the leading destinations for Bengaluru-based pet travellers. Together, these three routes generated more than 55% of the city’s pet journeys during the last three financial years.
Demand is also increasing on services connecting Bengaluru with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Lucknow, Kochi and Varanasi. Darbhanga and Calicut have also emerged within the broader pet travel network.
The variety of destinations indicates that demand no longer centres only on major corporate routes. Passengers are taking pets on regional journeys, family visits and leisure trips across different parts of India.
Expanded connectivity could also support tourism businesses that welcome animals. Pet-friendly hotels, serviced apartments, transport companies and attractions may benefit as this segment becomes more established.
Pets on Akasa Crosses 13,500 Journeys
Akasa Air has transported more than 13,500 pets across its domestic network since launching Pets on Akasa on November 1, 2022.
The service allows eligible cats and dogs to travel inside the passenger cabin or within the aircraft’s cargo compartment. The applicable option depends on the animal’s total weight and specific transport requirements.
Akasa Air has progressively updated the programme to respond to customer feedback and operational needs. The airline currently permits up to three pets on one flight, subject to relevant conditions and availability.
It has also increased the maximum permitted in-cabin weight to 10 kilograms, including the pet carrier. This adjustment can make cabin travel accessible to more customers with smaller companion animals.
Additionally, the airline has simplified reservation procedures and increased flexibility around health certification requirements. Passengers must still follow applicable documentation, carrier and safety rules before travelling.
These changes aim to remove practical barriers while protecting animal welfare throughout the journey.
Airport Benefits Improve the Passenger Experience
Passengers using Pets on Akasa receive several complimentary benefits designed to simplify their airport journey.
These include a pre-booked window seat, priority check-in and priority boarding. Such benefits can reduce waiting periods in busy terminals while helping pets settle before departure.
Pet travel requires coordination at every stage, including booking, airport processing, boarding and arrival. Clear procedures are particularly important because unfamiliar environments may create stress for animals and their owners.
Akasa Air has provided specialised preparation for employees working across customer service, airport operations and onboard functions. Trained teams can guide passengers through procedures and support appropriate handling during the journey.
The airline has also worked with an animal welfare organisation to strengthen its approach to pet safety and comfort. This cooperation supports responsible transportation practices across the expanding service.
Changing Habits Create New Aviation Segment
Bengaluru’s performance illustrates how changing household preferences are creating new opportunities within Indian aviation.
Previously, air travel with pets was often connected with relocation or essential movement. However, growing demand now includes holidays, shorter personal trips and visits to relatives.
Bengaluru is well positioned to lead this trend because of its large mobile population and broad domestic flight network. Its role as a technology and business centre also generates regular movement between major Indian cities.
The rise of pet-inclusive flying could influence the wider tourism economy. Hotels and destinations may need clearer animal policies as more travellers seek complete pet-friendly journeys.
Airlines must also balance accessibility with aircraft limitations, passenger comfort and animal welfare requirements. Consistent guidance will remain important as demand grows.
For Akasa Air, Bengaluru’s 53% increase demonstrates the commercial potential of specialised passenger services. It also shows that travellers increasingly expect airlines to accommodate the needs of their entire household.
As domestic connectivity expands, pet-friendly aviation could become a more visible part of Indian travel. Bengaluru’s leadership offers an early indication of how quickly that market is developing.
For more travel news like this, keep reading Global Travel Wire
