Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air raise fuel surcharge after IndiGo

Those planning air travel during the festival season face another blow from rising costs. Major Indian airlines have decided to raise the fuel surcharge. After IndiGo, Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air have now also increased the additional charge.

The airlines say the decision was taken because the price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is rising. The new rates came into effect on October 9, 2026. Passengers travelling on domestic routes and some international routes will have to pay more for their tickets.

Fuel accounts for a large share of an airline's total operating costs. Over the past few months, ATF prices have fluctuated because of turmoil in the global energy market and geopolitical tensions. As a result, airlines' costs have gone up.

The companies have raised the fuel surcharge to recover part of this higher cost. The final fare can therefore rise even if the base ticket price does not change. Passenger numbers rise during festivals anyway, so the increase is likely to affect the travel budgets of many people.

Air India and Air India Express have fixed a fuel surcharge of Rs 400 to Rs 1,200 for one-way domestic travel, depending on distance. For international travel, the surcharge will be levied within a stated range of 55 to 215, depending on route and distance.

On Air India Express, the charge applies to new bookings made after midnight IST on October 9. For Air India, the new rate applies to new bookings made after 11 am on October 9.

Akasa Air has also raised its fuel surcharge. The new charge applies to new bookings made after midnight on October 9, 2026. Under the new rates, domestic flights will attract an additional fuel surcharge of Rs 375 to Rs 1,150, depending on distance. A surcharge of Rs 2,500 has been fixed for six international countries or destinations, meaning those travelling on these routes will have to bear this cost in addition to the ticket fare.

IndiGo had raised its charge earlier. It increased the fuel charge for new bookings made after midnight on October 6, 2026. Domestic travel will attract a charge of Rs 375 to Rs 1,300, depending on distance.

For international routes, the charge ranges from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10,000. The highest surcharge, Rs 10,000, has been fixed for flights to Europe. IndiGo has clarified that, to limit the financial burden on passengers, it has raised the charge by less than the actual increase in fuel cost.

With fuel surcharges going up, the final fare of air tickets is likely to rise. Those travelling during the festivals should therefore check the airline's new charge before booking. Comparing the prices and additional charges of different companies will make it easier to settle the travel cost.