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Bengaluru Leads Surge in Domestic Pet Travel
Bengaluru has solidified its position as the primary domestic hub for pet transportation. Recent data confirms the city now represents more than 30% of all pet-related flights operated by Akasa Air.
Since the inception of the airline's pet services, Bengaluru has served as the starting point for over 3,700 pet journeys. The city is experiencing a rapid acceleration in demand, with pet travel volume growing by 53% between financial year 2024 and financial year 2026.
This growth is evident in the raw numbers: pet journeys originating from Bengaluru rose from 856 in FY24 to 1,310 in FY26. This trend indicates that pets are increasingly viewed as integral family members rather than secondary considerations during travel.
Expanding Network and High-Demand Routes
The reach of pet-friendly travel from Bengaluru has expanded significantly. While initially limited to a few select cities, the network now connects Bengaluru to 16 different destinations across India.
The most frequent routes for pet owners include:
- Bengaluru to Delhi
- Bengaluru to Kolkata
- Bengaluru to Guwahati
Combined, these three sectors account for more than 55% of all pet journeys leaving Bengaluru over the last three financial years. Beyond these primary corridors, increasing numbers of pets are traveling to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Pune, Lucknow, Kochi, Varanasi, Darbhanga, and Calicut.
"Pets on Akasa" Service Evolution
Launched on November 1, 2022, the "Pets on Akasa" program has facilitated over 13,500 pet journeys across the airline's entire domestic network. The service accommodates both cats and dogs, offering two transport options based on weight and specific requirements: inside the aircraft cabin or within the cargo compartment.
To improve accessibility and reduce friction for pet owners, the airline has implemented several operational updates:
- Capacity: Up to three pets are now permitted per flight.
- Weight Limits: The maximum weight for in-cabin pets (including the carrier) has been increased to 10 kilograms.
- Efficiency: Simplified reservation processes and more flexible health certification requirements.
Specialized Support and Animal Welfare
To differentiate the experience, the airline provides complimentary perks for passengers traveling with animals, including priority boarding, priority check-in, and pre-booked window seating.
Operational safety is supported by specialized training for onboard services, airport operations, and customer service teams. Furthermore, the airline has partnered with an animal welfare organization to refine its safety protocols and ensure responsible transportation standards.
Shifting Indian Aviation Trends
The concentration of pet travel in Bengaluru reflects the city's status as a corporate and tech hub with a demographic that prioritizes personalized travel solutions.
Historically, pet air travel in India was largely reserved for permanent relocations. Current data suggests a transition toward leisure travel and family visits, forcing the aviation industry to adapt to a new segment of "household-centric" travel.
Pet Travel Growth Data: Bengaluru
| Metric | FY2024 | FY2026 | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pet Journeys (Bengaluru) | 856 | 1,310 | +53% |
Key Takeaways
- Hub Dominance: Bengaluru is the busiest pet travel hub for Akasa Air, contributing >30% of total pet flights.
- Network Scale: Pet travel from Bengaluru now spans 16 destinations, with Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati as the top routes.
- Total Volume: Over 13,500 pets have been transported network-wide since November 2022.
- Policy Shifts: In-cabin weight limits are now 10kg, and up to three pets are allowed per flight.
FAQ
What are the weight limits for pets in the cabin? Pets can travel in the cabin if their total weight, including the carrier, does not exceed 10 kilograms.
Which routes are most popular for pet travel from Bengaluru? The most popular routes are Bengaluru to Delhi, Kolkata, and Guwahati, representing over 55% of the city's pet journeys.
What benefits do pet owners receive? Passengers traveling with pets can access priority boarding, priority check-in, and complimentary window seating.
