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Air India revises fuel surcharge on domestic and international flights amid Iran war jitters
ET Online | April 7, 2026 5:57 PM CST

Synopsis

Air India has revised its fuel surcharge structure for domestic and international flights, effective April 8 and April 10, 2026, respectively. The airline is implementing a distance-based system for domestic routes and higher, region-specific charges for international travel due to soaring global jet fuel prices.

Air India has revised its fuel surcharge structure for both domestic and international flights following a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices. The new rates will come into effect from April 8, 2026, with additional changes for select international routes from April 10.

The airline said the revision reflects increasing cost pressures, with global jet fuel prices nearly doubling in recent weeks. According to the International Air Transport Association, average jet fuel prices rose to $195.19 per barrel in the week ending March 27, up from $99.40 at the end of February.

Also read: Iran-Israel war: UAE plans to introduce tourism package as travel and aviation sectors face challenges

Distance-based surcharge for domestic routes

For domestic flights, Air India has shifted from a flat surcharge to a distance-based structure. The surcharge will range from ₹299 for flights up to 500 km to ₹899 for routes exceeding 2,000 km per passenger per sector.

The move follows a government decision to cap the increase in domestic aviation turbine fuel prices at 25%, allowing airlines to adopt a calibrated pricing approach. The revised surcharge will apply across the Air India group, including Air India Express flights.

Distance (km)Fuel Surcharge
0 – 500₹299
501 – 1000₹399
1001 – 1500₹549
1501 – 2000₹749
2000+₹899


Higher charges on international sectors

On international routes, the airline has introduced higher fuel surcharges due to the absence of price controls on aviation fuel. Charges will vary by region, starting at $24 for SAARC destinations and going up to $280 for routes to North America and Australia.

Also read: Air New Zealand hikes fares, cuts flights as fuel costs more than double on Iran war

Other regions include $50 for West Asia, $100 for parts of Southeast Asia, $60 for Singapore, $130 for Africa, and $205 for Europe, including the United Kingdom.

The airline said these surcharges do not fully offset the sharp increase in fuel costs and that it continues to absorb a portion of the impact. It also noted that aviation fuel costs have risen due to both higher crude oil prices and increased refining margins.

Tickets issued before the effective dates will not attract the revised surcharge unless passengers make changes that require fare recalculation. Air India said it will review the surcharge periodically based on market conditions.

RegionFuel Surcharge
SAARC (excluding Bangladesh)$24
West Asia / Middle East$50
Southeast Asia (excl. Singapore)$100
Singapore$60
Africa$130
Europe (incl. UK)$205
North America$280
Australia$280


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