Air India and its low-cost subsidiary, Air India Express, have announced significant increases in fuel surcharges for both domestic and international flights. The revised charges, which could add up to Rs 1,200 for domestic travelers and up to $215 for international passengers, will come into effect for new bookings made from October 9.
The airlines attributed this "calibrated revision" to the sustained rise in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices, driven by ongoing volatility in global energy markets and geopolitical developments. Fuel costs represent a substantial portion of airline operating expenses, prompting the carriers to adjust fares to partially offset these higher expenditures and maintain their service networks.
Domestic Travel Costs Rise
For domestic one-way flights within India, the additional fuel surcharge will vary based on distance:
- Journeys up to 500 km will incur an extra Rs 400.
- Flights between 501 km and 1,000 km will see a Rs 600 increase.
- Routes covering 1,001 km to 1,500 km will have an Rs 850 surcharge.
- For flights spanning 1,501 km or more, including those exceeding 2,000 km, passengers will pay an additional Rs 1,200.
International Routes Also Affected
The impact of the new fuel surcharge extends to select international destinations, with varying amounts depending on the region for one-way travel:
- Travel to North America will see a $215 surcharge.
- Flights to Australia will include an additional $210.
- European destinations, including the United Kingdom, will have a $135 surcharge.
- Passengers traveling to West Asia and the Middle East will face an extra $55.
The revised surcharges apply to eligible itineraries originating from and arriving in India. Air India Express bookings will see the changes implemented from 12 midnight IST on October 9, while Air India bookings will follow from 11 am IST on the same day.