Akasa Air co-founder Neelu Khatri steps down, bids emotional farewell

Akasa Air has announced a senior leadership change, with co-founder Neelu Khatri stepping down from her role as senior vice-president for international operations.

Khatri confirmed her departure in an emotional LinkedIn post, reflecting on the airline’s journey since its launch and paying tribute to employees, whom she referred to as “Akasians,” as well as to customers who supported the carrier in its early years.

Describing her time at Akasa as “a journey defined by heart,” Khatri said the airline’s people had turned a bold vision into reality, navigating operational challenges and periods of turbulence. “From day one, the spirit of Akasa has been its people,” she wrote, adding that the brand had now firmly established itself in the Indian aviation market.

Khatri also pointed to the airline’s future growth plans, noting that Akasa has orders in place for 196 additional aircraft. “With 196 aircraft more to be added in the future, I am sure of our sturdy growth that is yet to come,” she said, signalling confidence in the airline’s long-term prospects even as she exits an executive role.

A personal highlight of her farewell message was a piece of memorabilia gifted by colleagues: a fragment of an aircraft engine blade removed after a bird strike, which was transformed into a keepsake. Khatri described it as a lifelong possession and a symbol of her bond with the team.

Khatri has more than 25 years of experience across aviation, aerospace, defence and consulting. At Akasa Air, she was part of the founding leadership team and played a central role in setting up operational frameworks, launching international operations and securing the airline’s first codeshare agreement.

Alongside her role at Akasa, Khatri has served as managing director at BluOrange Synergies since 2019. Her earlier career includes senior leadership positions at Honeywell Aerospace India, where she was president, and at KPMG, where she led defence and security advisory services. She is also a former Indian Air Force officer, having served as a wing commander.

Her departure comes as Akasa Air continues to scale up operations in a highly competitive domestic aviation market, marked by rising capacity, price pressure and ongoing supply-chain constraints. The airline has not announced an immediate successor or commented on changes to its senior management structure.

Signing off her message, Khatri thanked her colleagues “for the privilege of being part of a legendary team,” adding, “I leave with a heart full of respect and gratitude.” Her exit marks the end of a founding chapter for Akasa Air as it enters its next phase of growth.