Air India and its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express have announced a new fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights starting March 12, 2026. This decision comes as aviation turbine fuel prices continue to rise due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Passengers booking new tickets will now have to pay extra fees depending on their travel destination. The airline stated that jet fuel currently accounts for nearly 40 percent of its operating costs, making this surcharge a necessary step to maintain smooth operations.
What are the new charges for domestic and international flights?
The airline is rolling out the new surcharges in three different phases based on the date of booking. Passengers traveling within India or to neighboring SAARC countries will see a flat fee added to their tickets. International travelers heading to regions like North America, Europe, and Australia will face much higher charges. The first phase begins on March 12, 2026, and the second phase takes effect on March 18, 2026. Charges for Far East countries like Japan and South Korea will be announced in the third phase.
| Phase and Date | Travel Region | New Surcharge Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 (March 12, 2026) | Domestic India and SAARC | ₹399 |
| Phase 1 (March 12, 2026) | West Asia and Middle East | $10 |
| Phase 1 (March 12, 2026) | Southeast Asia | $60 (Increased from $40) |
| Phase 1 (March 12, 2026) | Africa | $90 (Increased from $60) |
| Phase 2 (March 18, 2026) | Europe | $125 (Increased from $100) |
| Phase 2 (March 18, 2026) | North America and Australia | $200 (Increased from $150) |
Will passengers with already booked tickets pay the extra fee?
Passengers who have already purchased their tickets before the new phase dates are exempt from these extra charges. This means if you hold a confirmed ticket issued before March 12 or March 18, you will not need to pay the new surcharge. However, if you decide to change your travel dates or modify your itinerary, the airline will recalculate your fare and apply the new fuel surcharge. Air India will also review these surcharges periodically and adjust them according to the global situation.
Why is Air India increasing flight ticket prices?
The primary reason for the price hike is the heavy cost pressure from rising jet fuel prices linked to the West Asia crisis. High taxes, including excise duty and VAT on fuel in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, have further added to the financial burden of the airlines. Without implementing these fuel surcharges, Air India mentioned that operating some flights might become financially unviable. Meanwhile, the airline is operating 78 extra flights between March 10 and 18 to support passengers affected by airspace restrictions in the Middle East.
