Air India has announced a phased expansion of fuel surcharges on its domestic and international flights due to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices. The airline said the increase in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs, largely driven by geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, has significantly raised operating expenses.
According to the airline, the new surcharge will be implemented in three phases and will apply to all flights, including those operated by Air India Express. The first phase will take effect from 12 March 2026 for all new bookings, introducing a ₹399 surcharge on domestic and SAARC routes. On international routes, West Asia and the Middle East will see a USD 10 surcharge, while Southeast Asia and Africa routes will have higher charges.
The second phase will begin from 18 March 2026, increasing surcharges on long-haul routes. Flights to Europe will see a revised surcharge of USD 125, while North America and Australia routes will increase to USD 200. The airline also noted that East Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea will be included in a later phase.
Air India stated that tickets issued before the implementation dates will not be affected unless passengers make changes to their itinerary. The airline added that the surcharge may be reviewed periodically depending on fuel price trends and market conditions.
