Ticket prices for various domestic and international destinations are increasing as aviation fuel costs soar and flight schedules are disrupted due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Airlines have started to implement higher surcharges and tariffs on numerous routes. The Air India Group has declared a gradual increment in fuel surcharges for both domestic and international flights, pointing to a significant spike in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.
According to the updated policy, all new bookings made after March 12 will incur a ₹400 fuel surcharge on domestic flights. For international journeys, passengers will face an extra $10 for flights to West Asia, while surcharges for Southeast Asia routes will jump from $40 to $60, and for Africa routes from $60 to $90. Starting March 18, the surcharge for European flights will increase from $100 to $125, with routes to North America and Australia rising from $150 to $200. The airline noted that the surcharge would be introduced in stages and evaluated periodically.
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On a global scale, airlines in Asia, Europe, and Australia are raising fares, applying fuel surcharges, or modifying their schedules in response to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices and the disruption of key air routes. Jet fuel prices, which were around $85-90 per barrel prior to the US–Israeli strikes on Iran, have surged to approximately $150-200 per barrel.
Among the airlines that have reported fare hikes are Australia’s Qantas Airways, Scandinavia’s SAS, and Air New Zealand. Airlines such as Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and Thai Airways are also increasing fares or fuel surcharges as oil prices escalate and access to essential routes diminishes.
Disruptions in West Asian airspace have further strained fares by forcing travelers onto alternative routes and heightening demand for remaining services. Airlines are also revising their networks to adapt to these disturbances.
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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
