Akasa Air Apple Pay: Why This Payment Option Works Only For Foreign Flyers

Akasa Air just became India’s first airline to accept Apple Pay. But here’s the catch. Indian residents can’t use it.

This payment option works only for cross-border transactions. That means foreign travelers booking flights to India can now tap and pay. But if you’re sitting in Mumbai or Delhi? Your UPI still rules.

Who Can Actually Use Apple Pay on Akasa Air Bookings

The feature is live on Akasa’s website and app. But it’s designed for international customers only.

Akasa partnered with Razorpay, which became the first Indian payment gateway to enable Apple Pay for cross-border payments. Face ID or Touch ID makes checkout faster for Apple users abroad.

Indians flying domestically? You still have UPI, cards, wallets, and EMI options. Nothing changes for you.

Why Add Apple Pay When Indians Can’t Use It

Akasa launched international flights in March 2024. The airline now flies to six destinations including Doha, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Phuket.

The strategy is clear. Target foreign tourists visiting India. Make booking easier for them.

Akasa’s international operations currently make up 20% of its capacity. The airline plans to push this to 30% by March 2027. Apple Pay fits this expansion perfectly.

The Razorpay Connection Behind This Move

Razorpay launched Apple Pay integration in September 2025. Several Indian brands like Mokobara and Sabyasachi jumped on board immediately.

For airlines, the benefits are real. No manual card entry means fewer failed transactions. Biometric authentication cuts fraud. One-tap payments reduce abandoned carts.

Akasa wasn’t testing this feature. The airline’s CMO called it “another step in strengthening our digital backbone” for global travelers. With 226 Boeing aircraft on order, international growth isn’t optional – it’s essential.

What This Means For Credit Card Users in India

Indian credit card holders miss out on this convenience. Apple Pay isn’t available as a payment source in India yet.

The bigger picture matters here. India’s export businesses need global payment options. Card payments account for over 50% of e-commerce value in North America and nearly 43% in Europe. Airlines chasing international customers must match these expectations.

Akasa bet on the right moment. More Indians are traveling abroad. More foreigners want to visit India. Smooth payments matter to both groups – even if only one can use this feature right now.