Akasa Air, a low-cost carrier, has been granted permission to operate international flights. According to sources, the airline will begin international flights in December, with initial destinations centered on Middle Eastern countries.

However, the airline awaits the government's allocation of traffic rights and subsequent approval from the relevant countries. These traffic rights are typically granted bilaterally by governments to airlines from their respective countries.

Existing traffic rights on major India-Middle East routes, such as Dubai and Doha, are already fully utilised.

"Akasa Air (M/S SNV Aviation Pvt ltd.) had sought approval for designation as a scheduled international carrier and subsequently requested for allocation of traffic rights. The proposal was examined in consultation with DGCA and it has been decided with the approval of competent authority, to allow Akasa Air (M/s SNV Aviation Pvt ltd.) to mount international operations subject to their continued compliance with the AIC 10 of 2022 dated 19.04.22," read the letter issued by S.P.R Tripathi, Under Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation.

"Further, as per DGCA, Akasa Air is eligible to apply for international scheduled air transport services. However it is also informed that based on the traffic rights to be allocated to Akasa Air( M/s SNV Aviation Pvt Itd.) by this ministry, the scrutiny of country specific preparedness will be carried out by DGCA as per CAR Section-3, Part-II before permitting Akasa Air (M/s SNV Aviation Pvt ltd.) to operate scheduled international operations," the letter added.