Air India has announced the introduction of a fuel surcharge on flight tickets, which is expected to make air travel slightly more expensive for passengers. The decision comes amid a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, a key cost component for airlines. The surcharge will apply to new bookings made from March 12, 2026, and will impact both domestic and international routes operated by the airline.
Under the revised pricing structure, passengers travelling on domestic routes and within the SAARC region will pay an additional surcharge of around ₹399 per ticket. International passengers will also see an increase in ticket costs, with fuel surcharges ranging from about $10 to $50 depending on the destination and route category. The airline has indicated that these charges may be revised periodically depending on fuel price fluctuations and market conditions.
Air India stated that aviation turbine fuel accounts for nearly 40 percent of airline operating costs, making it one of the most significant expenses in the aviation sector. With fuel prices witnessing volatility in recent weeks due to global market pressures, the airline said the surcharge is necessary to partially offset rising operational costs while maintaining service quality and network connectivity.
