Air India and Air India Express announced on Thursday a revision to fuel surcharges across domestic and select international routes, citing the sustained rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.
Air India is implementing the surcharge for the third time this year, following earlier adjustments in March and June, a move that reflects the airline’s ongoing struggle to balance cost pressures with service commitments.
The carriers attribute the volatility in ATF to geopolitical developments in the Middle East and the continued squeeze on global energy markets, which have pushed operating costs higher.
IndiGo, too, announced a hike in fuel surcharges on Monday, signalling industry‑wide pressure as jet fuel prices surge.
For travelers, the impact is tangible; a Mumbai resident planning a return trip to Delhi will see an additional ₹200 added to the fare, a figure that many commuters consider significant.
With the surcharges activated from October 9, the airlines will monitor passenger response and may adjust pricing strategies in the coming weeks to mitigate revenue loss.