Air India and Air Express raises fuel fees due to rising aircraft fuel prices.
In reaction to growing Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs, Air India and Air India Express have announced updated fuel surcharges for domestic and some international routes, which will take effect on October 9, 2026.
The revision is ascribed to the ongoing volatility of aviation fuel costs, which is fuelled by pressure on international energy markets and geopolitical factors. Since fuel makes up a sizable amount of airline operational expenses, the updated surcharges are meant to partially offset the additional cost.
Bookings booked for Air India Express starting at 12:00 AM IST on October 9 and for Air India starting at 11:00 AM IST on the same day will be subject to the additional surcharges. The applicable fees will change based on the destination and distance of the flight.
Changes to domestic fuel surcharges
Depending on the distance flown, the updated one-way fuel fee for domestic flights will be between ₹400 and ₹1,200.
There is a ₹400 surcharge for passengers travelling on sectors up to 500 km, and ₹600 for flights between 501 and 1,000 km. The extra is ₹850 for travels between 1,001 and 1,500 km. A surcharge of ₹1,200 per sector will be applied to flights that travel 1,501–2,000 km and those that go more than 2,000 km.
International fuel surcharges have been updated.
The updated one-way surcharges will be applicable to foreign flights that depart or arrive in India.
There will be a USD 215 cost for flights to and from North America and a USD 210 surcharge for services that link India and Australia. The premium will be USD 135 for flights inside Europe, including the UK, and USD 55 for flights between India and West Asia or the Middle East.
Fares for new reservations made starting at the corresponding effective timings will reflect the updated fees.
