After Air India, InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. or IndiGo has imposed a fuel surcharge on flight tickets, starting March 14, 2026. The decision comes amid a hike in jet fuel prices caused by massive oil disruptions in the Middle East.
"This measure is taken due to the significant surge in fuel prices following the ongoing geopolitical issues
in the Middle East. IATA's Jet Fuel Monitor indicates an 85+% increase in fuel prices for the region." India's largest airline said in its official statement on Friday.
Earlier in the day, NDTV Profit had exclusively reported that most major airlines such as SpiceJet, Indigo, and Akasa Air will most likely impose additional levies.
The airline has imposed a Rs 425 levy for domestic travel, Rs 900 for travel to the Middle East, South East Asia and China will attract a Rs 1,800 levy and so will Africa and West Asia, and finally travel to Europe will cost Rs 2,300 more.
Air India Surcharge
Air India and Air India Express have currently imposed fuel surcharges on their tickets. The expansion of the fuel surcharge is underway in a phased manner.
"Since early March 2026, aviation turbine fuel (ATF), which accounts for nearly 40% of an airline's operating costs, has seen significant price escalation due to supply interruptions. In India, this pressure is amplified by high Excise Duty and VAT on ATF in major metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, magnifying the impact and placing substantial strain on airline operating economics," Air India had stated in its release.
The first phase of the expansion came into effect from March 12 onwards and imposes levies on domestic air travel and travel to SAARC countries.
Phase 2 of the levies will come into effect from March 18 onwards and essentially hikes fuel surcharges for flights to Europe, North America and Australia.
Dates of the inception of the third phase are yet to be announced, but will apply to Far East markets, namely Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea
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