Air India has announced that it will introduce a fuel surcharge on flight tickets as rising aviation fuel prices push up airline operating costs. The surcharge comes amid global energy market volatility linked to tensions involving Iran in West Asia.
The airline said passengers booking domestic flights will have to pay an additional ₹399 fuel surcharge starting March 12. The same charge will also apply to flights to nearby South Asian destinations such as Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
For longer international routes, the surcharge will be higher. Flights to West Asia will see an additional charge of around $10, while routes to Southeast Asia and Africa will have surcharges ranging from $60 to $90, depending on the distance and route.
Air India said the move is necessary because of the sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices in recent weeks. Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, and sudden price increases can significantly affect operating costs.
Global oil prices have been fluctuating due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has raised concerns about energy supply and shipping routes. As a result, airlines are facing higher fuel bills and are adjusting ticket prices to manage the added costs.
The airline clarified that the surcharge will apply only to new tickets booked from March 12 onwards. Passengers who have already purchased tickets will not be affected unless they change their bookings or reissue their tickets.
Air India said it understands that the additional charge may affect travellers, but described it as a necessary step to offset rising fuel expenses and maintain operations.
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