Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, there has been a huge surge in the prices of jet fuel, which is now going to affect air travelers as well. Faced with rising cost pressures, the country’s flagship airline—Air India—has decided to make changes to its fuel surcharge. Following this move by the airline, ticket prices for both domestic and international flights are sure to increase; As a result, domestic airfares are expected to increase by ₹299 to ₹899 in the coming days. At the same time, the prices of international tickets are going to increase from ₹ 2,200 to ₹ 26,000.
New rates will be applicable from April 8
Following the steep rise in jet fuel prices globally, Air India has revised the fuel surcharge on both its domestic and international routes. These changes will come into effect on most routes from Wednesday, April 8. However, for flights to Europe, North America and Australia, the revised surcharge will be applicable from April 10, 2026. According to the airline, the decision to increase ticket prices was taken after a balanced approach adopted by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, in which the increase in domestic Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices was limited to 25 per cent.
Distance-based grid system implemented
For domestic flights, Air India has implemented a distance-based grid system instead of a fixed surcharge. In contrast, for international flights, airlines have larger price variations, as there is no cap on international ATF prices. However, Air India has said that this surcharge does not fully cover the entire increase in the cost of jet fuel; Airlines continue to bear a portion of this financial burden themselves.
Huge jump in fuel prices
The average global price of jet fuel rose to $195.19 a barrel during the week ended March 27, according to International Air Transport Association data. In February this price was $99.40 per barrel. In other words, fuel prices have increased by almost 100 percent in just one month. As a result, fuel has emerged as one of the most significant cost pressures for airlines around the world.