Key Highlights
- Hike announced: Air India and Air India Express are raising fuel surcharges on domestic and select international routes.
- When: Air India Express from midnight, October 9; Air India from 11 am, October 9.
- Domestic range: ₹400 to ₹1,200 one-way, depending on distance.
- International: From $55 (West Asia/Middle East) to $215 (North America).
- Following IndiGo: IndiGo raised its fuel charges for bookings from October 6.
Flying is getting costlier. Air India and Air India Express have announced higher fuel surcharges on domestic and select international flights, following IndiGo's increase earlier this week.
"ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months amid geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets. The latest increase has pushed up airline operating costs, with fuel accounting for a substantial share of overall expenditure," the Tata Group airlines said.
The revised surcharge applies to new bookings from 12 am on October 9 for Air India Express, and from 11 am on October 9 for Air India.
Air India vs IndiGo: Domestic Fuel Charges (One-Way)
| Distance | Air India / AI Express | IndiGo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 500 km | ₹400 | ₹375 | IndiGo (₹25) |
| 501–1,000 km | ₹600 | ₹600 | Same |
| 1,001–1,500 km | ₹850 | ₹900 | Air India (₹50) |
| 1,501–2,000 km | ₹1,200 | ₹1,150 | IndiGo (₹50) |
| Above 2,000 km | ₹1,200 | ₹1,300 | Air India (₹100) |
What It Means on Popular Routes
Based on approximate flying distances:
- Delhi–Jaipur: about ₹400 (Air India) vs ₹375 (IndiGo)
- Delhi–Mumbai: about ₹850 vs ₹900
- Delhi–Bengaluru: about ₹1,200 vs ₹1,150
- Long routes over 2,000 km: ₹1,200 vs ₹1,300
Exact charges depend on each airline's sector distance.
Air India International Surcharges
| Region | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| North America | $215 |
| Australia | $210 |
| Europe (including UK) | $135 |
| West Asia and Middle East | $55 |
Why It Matters: No Cheap Escape
With India's biggest airline groups all raising fuel charges, travellers have little room to avoid the increase by switching carriers. The differences on domestic routes are small, usually ₹25 to ₹100, so the final ticket price will depend more on base fares and offers than on the fuel surcharge itself.
The timing is tough. The hikes come just ahead of Dussehra and Diwali, when travel demand peaks. They follow a steep rise in jet fuel costs; IndiGo has said the latest month-on-month increase exceeded 14%, taking ATF to among its highest levels in a decade.
Tips for Travellers
- Book Air India before 11 am on October 9 if you already have travel plans; Air India Express changes from midnight.
- Compare total fares, not just the fuel charge.
- Watch for festive offers, which may offset part of the increase.
The Bottom Line
From IndiGo to Air India, fuel costs are now landing on every ticket. For festive travellers, booking early and comparing total fares is the best way to limit the hit.
With inputs from IANS.
Key Highlights
- Hike announced: Air India and Air India Express are raising fuel surcharges on domestic and select international routes.
- When: Air India Express from midnight, October 9; Air India from 11 am, October 9.
- Domestic range: ₹400 to ₹1,200 one-way, depending on distance.
- International: From $55 (West Asia/Middle East) to $215 (North America).
- Following IndiGo: IndiGo raised its fuel charges for bookings from October 6.
Flying is getting costlier. Air India and Air India Express have announced higher fuel surcharges on domestic and select international flights, following IndiGo's increase earlier this week.
"ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months amid geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets. The latest increase has pushed up airline operating costs, with fuel accounting for a substantial share of overall expenditure," the Tata Group airlines said.
The revised surcharge applies to new bookings from 12 am on October 9 for Air India Express, and from 11 am on October 9 for Air India.
Air India vs IndiGo: Domestic Fuel Charges (One-Way)
| Distance | Air India / AI Express | IndiGo | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 500 km | ₹400 | ₹375 | IndiGo (₹25) |
| 501–1,000 km | ₹600 | ₹600 | Same |
| 1,001–1,500 km | ₹850 | ₹900 | Air India (₹50) |
| 1,501–2,000 km | ₹1,200 | ₹1,150 | IndiGo (₹50) |
| Above 2,000 km | ₹1,200 | ₹1,300 | Air India (₹100) |
What It Means on Popular Routes
Based on approximate flying distances:
- Delhi–Jaipur: about ₹400 (Air India) vs ₹375 (IndiGo)
- Delhi–Mumbai: about ₹850 vs ₹900
- Delhi–Bengaluru: about ₹1,200 vs ₹1,150
- Long routes over 2,000 km: ₹1,200 vs ₹1,300
Exact charges depend on each airline's sector distance.
Air India International Surcharges
| Region | Surcharge |
|---|---|
| North America | $215 |
| Australia | $210 |
| Europe (including UK) | $135 |
| West Asia and Middle East | $55 |
Why It Matters: No Cheap Escape
With India's biggest airline groups all raising fuel charges, travellers have little room to avoid the increase by switching carriers. The differences on domestic routes are small, usually ₹25 to ₹100, so the final ticket price will depend more on base fares and offers than on the fuel surcharge itself.
The timing is tough. The hikes come just ahead of Dussehra and Diwali, when travel demand peaks. They follow a steep rise in jet fuel costs; IndiGo has said the latest month-on-month increase exceeded 14%, taking ATF to among its highest levels in a decade.
Tips for Travellers
- Book Air India before 11 am on October 9 if you already have travel plans; Air India Express changes from midnight.
- Compare total fares, not just the fuel charge.
- Watch for festive offers, which may offset part of the increase.
The Bottom Line
From IndiGo to Air India, fuel costs are now landing on every ticket. For festive travellers, booking early and comparing total fares is the best way to limit the hit.
With inputs from IANS.