Akasa Air celebrated World Mental Health Day with its “Pawfect Life” initiative, bringing pets into the workplace to promote wellbeing. Reflecting its pet-friendly ethos, the airline also earned praise from Duolingo’s India Lead, Tara Kapur, who lauded the seamless experience of flying her dog Lola with Akasa’s caring staff and smooth service.
Akasa Air is taking the meaning of “friendly skies” to a new level — one paw at a time. Reinforcing its commitment to wellbeing and inclusivity, the airline celebrated World Mental Health Day with a heartwarming initiative called Pawfect Life, bringing furry friends into the workspace to remind employees that mental health begins with moments of joy, comfort, and connection.
The initiative reflects Akasa Air’s growing emphasis on emotional wellness, not just for passengers but also for its own people. By creating opportunities for employees to interact with therapy and rescue animals, the airline aimed to build a sense of warmth and togetherness that mirrors the compassionate spirit it extends to its customers.
“Caring for our people is as important as caring for our passengers,” Akasa Air shared in a statement. “Pets aren’t just welcome onboard—they’re part of our journey.” The event, marked by laughter, play, and plenty of wagging tails, became a perfect reminder that empathy and wellbeing are central to the company’s culture.
The airline’s philosophy of care doesn’t stop at the office door. Akasa Air is among the few Indian carriers allowing passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin, making journeys more comfortable for both humans and their animal companions. The initiative has already struck a chord with travelers who view their pets as family members, not cargo.
Among those who experienced the joy of pet travel firsthand is Tara Kapur, India Lead at Duolingo, who recently flew her dog, Lola, with Akasa Air for the festive season. Kapur shared her experience, highlighting the airline’s thoughtful and well-coordinated service from start to finish.
“We just flew our dog, Lola, to spend the festive season with family, and the entire experience was seamless,” Kapur said. “Right from the time of booking, the customer support team shared clear instructions and ensured we had all the right documentation in place. At check-in, the staff was prepped for our arrival, walked us through every step, and even made sure we skipped long lines.”
She also commended the security team at Mumbai Domestic Airport, who were “incredibly kind and patient” with Lola. “She was understandably a bit nervous through the process, but everyone’s care made it so much easier,” Kapur added.
For pet parents like Kapur, such gestures go a long way in transforming travel anxiety into a stress-free experience. For Akasa Air, it’s part of a broader vision — one where compassion defines every touchpoint, whether in-flight, on the ground, or at the workplace.
As the airline continues to expand its routes and strengthen its brand, its people-first and pet-friendly philosophy sets it apart in India’s aviation landscape. In an era where mental health and emotional wellness are being acknowledged as integral to both professional and personal lives, Akasa Air’s dual focus on passenger experience and employee wellbeing reflects a new kind of leadership — one built not just on efficiency, but on empathy.
Whether it’s comforting a nervous pet traveler or organizing a playful break for its crew, Akasa Air’s message is clear: kindness and care can take flight just as powerfully as planes do.
