Overview
- IndiGo began adding sector‑based fuel charges to new bookings from March 14, ranging from ₹425 on domestic and Indian subcontinent routes to ₹2,300 on Europe flights, with ₹900 for the Middle East and ₹1,800 for Southeast Asia, China, Africa and West Asia.
- Akasa Air will apply a per‑sector surcharge of ₹199–1,300 on tickets booked from 00:01 on March 15, with amounts varying by flight duration.
- Air India and Air India Express started a phased surcharge rollout on March 12, including ₹399 on domestic and SAARC tickets and, from March 18, higher long‑haul surcharges of $125 to Europe and $200 to North America and Australia.
- Airlines say aviation turbine fuel accounts for about 40% of operating costs and warn that without surcharges some routes would be uneconomic, while industry officials report no shortage of jet fuel.
- Operational adjustments continue, with rerouting around West Asia and IndiGo temporarily suspending select Middle East services through March 28, and carriers stating the new fees apply to future bookings.