Airfares on several domestic and international routes are rising as aviation fuel prices surge and flight operations face disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
Airlines have already begun raising surcharges and ticket prices on several routes. The Air India Group has announced a phased increase in fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights, citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices.
Under the revised structure, all new bookings made from March 12 will attract a ₹400 fuel surcharge on domestic flights. On international routes, passengers will pay an additional $10 on West Asia flights, while the surcharge for Southeast Asia routes will increase from $40 to $60 and for Africa routes from $60 to $90. From March 18, the surcharge on flights to Europe will rise from $100 to $125, while routes to North America and Australia will see an increase from $150 to $200. The airline said the surcharge will be implemented in phases and reviewed periodically.
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Globally, airlines across Asia, Europe and Australia have begun raising fares, adding fuel surcharges or adjusting schedules as jet fuel costs climb sharply and key air routes are disrupted. Jet fuel prices, which were around $85-90 per barrel before US–Israeli strikes on Iran, have risen to $150-200 per barrel.
Australia’s Qantas Airways, Scandinavia’s SAS and Air New Zealand are among airlines that have announced price increases. Airlines, including Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways, are also raising fares or fuel surcharges as oil costs rise and access to key routes becomes more restricted.
Flight disruptions through West Asian airspace have added pressure to fares by pushing travellers onto alternative routes and increasing demand on remaining services. Airlines are also adjusting their networks in response to the disruption.
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(Edited by : Shoma Bhattacharjee)
