Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have revised fuel surcharges amid rising aviation turbine fuel prices, making air travel more expensive for passengers (Img: Air India website)
New Delhi: Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have increased fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes from October 2026, citing rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices and mounting operating costs. The move follows a similar revision by IndiGo, adding to the financial burden on air travellers during the festive season.
Air India and Air India Express have introduced distance-based fuel surcharges for domestic flights, ranging from ₹400 to ₹1,200 for one-way journeys. The charge varies according to the distance travelled, with longer routes attracting higher fees.
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For international flights, the revised surcharge ranges from $55 for West Asia and the Middle East to $215 for North America. Passengers travelling to Europe, including the United Kingdom, will pay $135, while the surcharge for Australia stands at $210.
The revised charges apply to new bookings made from October 2026. Air India Express implemented the changes from midnight, while Air India's revised charges took effect from 11 am IST.
Akasa Air has also revised its surcharge structure in response to higher aviation fuel prices. The airline's domestic surcharge now ranges from ₹375 to ₹1,150, depending on the distance flown.
For selected international routes connecting India with Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Vietnam, Akasa has set a surcharge of ₹2,500.
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The airline had previously introduced fuel surcharges in March before withdrawing the levy on domestic services. The latest decision reflects continued pressure from elevated fuel expenses.
Airlines have attributed the increases to volatility in aviation turbine fuel prices, geopolitical tensions and pressure on global energy markets. A weaker rupee has added to the industry's cost challenges.
Fuel remains a substantial component of airline operating expenditure. Carriers say the revised surcharges will help offset some of the additional costs while supporting continued operations.
With IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air revising their charges, passengers may need to spend more on new flight bookings. The increases also come as higher fares risk pushing price-sensitive domestic travellers towards alternative modes of transport.
