Airlines in India are beginning to feel the impact of rising aviation fuel prices. The increase in fuel costs is forcing carriers to adjust ticket pricing.
Air India and Air India Express have announced a new fuel surcharge on flight tickets. The revised charges will come into effect from March 12.
Airline officials said the move is necessary because of the sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel prices. The increase has significantly raised operating costs for airlines.
According to reports, the airline group will add a surcharge of ₹399 on each domestic ticket during the first phase.
The same charge will apply to flights connecting India with SAARC destinations. These routes will also see the new fuel surcharge added to ticket prices.
The decision comes at a time of growing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region. The situation involves ongoing hostilities connected to Israel, Iran, and the United States.
These tensions have created instability in global energy markets. As a result, fuel prices have been fluctuating sharply.
The airline group has also announced revised surcharges for several international routes.
Passengers travelling to West Asia will face an additional charge of $10 per ticket. For flights to Africa, the surcharge will range between $30 and $90.
Routes to Southeast Asia will see an increase of $20 to $60. The surcharge will also apply to flights to and from Singapore, where such a charge was not previously imposed.
Air India said the surcharge expansion is part of a phased strategy. The aim is to manage the rising cost of jet fuel caused by the current geopolitical situation.
However, the move could add more pressure on travellers. Passengers are already dealing with steadily rising airfares across many routes.
Industry observers say airlines are balancing operational costs and ticket affordability. The coming months may show whether further fare adjustments become necessary.
