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India's Pet Travel Booms: 10,000th Feline Flies Akasa
21 Feb
Summary
- Akasa Air celebrated its 10,000th pet traveler, a cat named Topshe.
- Dogs constitute 60% of pet passengers, with cats making up the rest.
- The pet travel market in India is projected to reach $154 million by 2030.
A milestone was recently reached at Mumbai airport as Topshe, a cat, became Akasa Air's 10,000th pet traveler, highlighting India's increasing ease in pet transit. Since its launch in August 2022, Akasa Air has facilitated numerous pet journeys, with dogs accounting for 60% and cats for the remaining 40%.
The festive quarter from October to December sees a substantial rise in pet travel, with monthly volumes increasing by approximately 63% above the annual average. The Bengaluru-Delhi route is the most popular for pet journeys. Akasa Air reports that 93% of its pet passengers travel in-cabin and has increased the weight limit to 10 kg, with 26% of pet owners making repeat trips.
The post-pandemic surge in pet adoptions has bolstered this travel category, with Air India transporting over 5,000 pets domestically last fiscal. Indian Railways also remains a popular option, having digitized its pet booking process, making it more accessible. Previously, railways did not allow cats on trains, a policy now abolished.
Market projections indicate robust growth for pet travel services in India, estimated at $154 million by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 11.2% from 2025. Specialized pet travel agencies and apps are emerging, simplifying the booking process for owners.
