New Delhi: Flyers across India woke up to costlier air travel as IndiGo, the country’s largest airline, rolled out a new fuel surcharge on all domestic and international routes effective from 00:01 hours IST on Saturday.
The move comes amid a sharp surge in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, fuelled by escalating geopolitical tensions and conflicts in West Asia, particularly involving Iran.
IndiGo cited that ATF, which forms a major chunk of operating costs, has seen steep escalation due to supply disruptions and regional instability. In a statement, the airline explained its decision: “While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers.”
The sector-wise surcharge, applicable to all new bookings, includes:
Domestic India and Indian subcontinent routes: ₹425
Middle East: ₹900
Southeast Asia, China, Africa, and West Asia: ₹1,800
Europe: ₹2,300
This additional charge, listed separately on tickets for transparency, will make flights noticeably pricier, especially for long-haul international travel. It follows similar actions by Air India and Air India Express earlier this week, reflecting industry-wide pressure from rising jet fuel costs.
IndiGo, which operates over 400 aircraft and serves more than 135 destinations, said it will continue monitoring crude oil and ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) prices, with potential adjustments to the surcharge if market conditions change.
The development adds to the challenges for budget-conscious travellers, who are already grappling with volatile fuel prices and regional airspace restrictions.