Photo Source: ANI
Flight tickets to get costlier from April 8; Air India hikes fuel surcharge
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 7, 2026: Air travel in India is set to become more expensive as Air India has revised its fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights, citing a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices.
The new rates will come into effect from April 8, 2026, while additional revisions on select international routes will be implemented from April 10. The move comes amid global tensions impacting fuel prices, putting pressure on airline operating costs.
Air India has introduced a distance-based fuel surcharge system for domestic flights, replacing the earlier flat fee. Under the revised structure, passengers will now pay fuel charges based on the distance of their journey.
Revised Fuel Surcharge (Domestic Flights):
- Up to 500 km: ₹299 per passenger
- 501–1000 km: ₹399
- 1001–1500 km: ₹549
- 1501–2000 km: ₹749
- Above 2000 km: ₹899
- International Fuel Surcharge Revised
Air India has also increased fuel surcharges on international routes, with long-haul flights witnessing the steepest hike. The charges vary by region:
SAARC (excluding Bangladesh): USD 24 (approx. ₹2,232)
West Asia & Middle East: USD 50 (approx. ₹4,650)
China & Southeast Asia (excluding Singapore): USD 100 (approx. ₹9,300)
Singapore: USD 60 (approx. ₹5,580)
Africa: USD 130 (approx. ₹12,090)
Europe (including UK): USD 205 (approx. ₹19,065)
North America & Australia: USD 280 (approx. ₹26,040)
While most of these changes will take effect from April 8, revised charges for Europe, North America, and Australia routes will be applicable from April 10.
According to industry data, jet fuel prices have surged significantly in recent weeks, forcing airlines to pass on part of the increased cost to passengers. The revision follows the government’s move to cap the rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices at 25%, allowing airlines to adjust fares in a structured manner.