Akasa Air Proposes New Direct Flight Route from Navi Mumbai to Kolkata via Prayagraj
In a significant development for regional aviation, Akasa Air has formally proposed a direct flight service connecting the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport to Kolkata, with a crucial stopover in Prayagraj. This proposal offers a ray of hope for passengers who have long awaited a reliable and direct flight connection to the eastern metropolis, addressing a critical gap in current air travel options.
Current Connectivity Challenges in Prayagraj
At present, Prayagraj's air connectivity is severely limited, with direct flights available to only six cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Bhubaneswar, and Bilaspur. This represents a stark decline from just two years ago. Over the past 24 months, services to nine other major cities have been discontinued, raising serious concerns about the city's declining aviation infrastructure and its impact on travelers and the local economy.
The reduction in connectivity began in October 2023, when IndiGo discontinued its flights to Raipur, Indore, and Gorakhpur. By March 2024, the Pune-Prayagraj service was also suspended. Subsequently, Alliance Air halted its operations to Kolkata and Dehradun. Other significant routes that were terminated include flights to Lucknow, Jaipur, Jammu, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Bhopal.
Temporary Relief During Maha Kumbh 2025
A temporary boost in connectivity occurred during the Maha Kumbh 2025, when flights from ten additional cities were introduced specifically for the mela period. However, these services operated only between January 10 and February 26, 2025, and were withdrawn immediately afterwards, leaving the city with its current limited network. This highlights the cyclical nature of aviation services in the region and the need for sustainable, year-round solutions.
Akasa Air's Proposal and Next Steps
Airport Director Rajesh Chawla has confirmed that discussions regarding Akasa Air's proposal are progressing positively. The airline is set to conduct a comprehensive and detailed survey of passenger demand and projected traffic load on the proposed Navi Mumbai-Prayagraj-Kolkata route. This survey will be critical in assessing the viability and potential success of the new service.
If the survey results are favourable, the formal proposal will be submitted to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for official approval. This regulatory step is essential for the launch of any new aviation route in India, ensuring safety standards and operational feasibility are met.
The proposed route not only aims to restore the vital Kolkata connection but also integrates Prayagraj into the network of the new Navi Mumbai International Airport, which is poised to become a major aviation hub. This could significantly enhance Prayagraj's strategic importance in India's domestic flight landscape, providing residents with better access to both western and eastern regions of the country.
