New Delhi: The impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East is now clearly visible in India too. After LPG gas cylinder, air travel has now become expensive. Air India has decided to increase the fuel surcharge on its tickets due to the rising prices of jet fuel and crude oil. Air passengers will now have to pay an additional charge of Rs 400 to Rs 3000 for both domestic and international flights. The new rates will be applicable from March 12.
How expensive has air travel become?
Air India said that this increase will be implemented in a phased manner. Under Phase 1 and Phase 2, surcharge has been increased on both domestic and international flights. Now passengers will have to pay additional charges ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 3000. Jet fuel accounts for 30-40 percent of the total expenses of airlines. The global supply chain has been affected since the Iran-Israel war that started on February 28. Before the war, jet fuel was at $85-90 per barrel, which has now increased rapidly to $150-200 per barrel. At the same time, the price of Brent crude oil is $ 93 per barrel, whereas a day earlier it had reached $ 120.
How much will the ticket cost for which zone?
According to Air India – Domestic and SAARC flight tickets: up to Rs 399 expensive, surcharge on West Asia flights: $10, surcharge on South East Asia flights: $20, surcharge on Africa flights: $30
Reason for increasing fuel charge
The airline company says that this step was taken due to the rising prices of jet fuel and crude oil. An increase in the prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) has been seen since the beginning of 2026. Higher excise duty and VAT on ATF in metros like Delhi and Mumbai have further increased the costs for airlines, necessitating costlier tickets.