If you are planning a summer getaway, the clock is ticking faster than usual. A volatile combination of surging jet fuel prices, geopolitical tensions in West Asia, and mandatory flight re-routings is pushing airfares to historic highs. For Indian travellers, the sweet spot for booking is rapidly disappearing as airlines — from global giants like Lufthansa and Qantas to domestic leaders like Air India and IndiGo — adjust pricing to offset a massive spike in operating costs.
The primary driver behind the fare hike is the staggering rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF). Jet fuel prices, which hovered around $85–$90 per barrel earlier this year, have skyrocketed to $150–200 per barrel following disruptions in West Asia.
Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder of EaseMyTrip, told CNBC-TV18 that these uncertainties are already hitting traveller wallets. “With airfares witnessing an upward surge due to ongoing uncertainties as well as the seasonal demand, early planning has become more important than ever,” Pittie noted.
Beyond fuel, the safety landscape has shifted. The DGCA recently issued an advisory following regional volatility, impacting how airlines traverse the globe. This directive, following EASA guidelines, warns of “heightened risks to civil aviation” and has forced airlines into a complex game of aerial bypass.
For travellers, this means longer flight times and doubled fares for non-stop flights to London or New York, which are now touching ₹1.5 lakh in some cases. Pittie observes that in response to these shifts, “travellers are also becoming more flexible with dates and destinations, which helps optimise costs.”
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With traditional transit hubs like Dubai and Doha facing congestion and diversions, travellers are pivoting toward destinations with stable connectivity. According to Pittie, travellers are increasingly exploring “value-driven and well-connected destinations that offer a balance of experience and affordability.”
Recommended destinations for summer 2026:
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Region
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Top Picks (EaseMyTrip Insights)
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International
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Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bali, Singapore, Malaysia, Mauritius, Maldives
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Domestic
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North East, Kashmir, Himachal, Uttarakhand, Goa, Ladakh, Kerala, Andaman
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Pittie highlights that these international spots are seeing “strong traction, driven by relatively stable connectivity, visa ease, and competitive travel packages.”
The ‘last-minute deal’ is effectively extinct for summer of 2026. Pittie observes that “travellers who book in advance are able to secure better fares and wider inventory, especially for peak summer routes.” EaseMyTrip data shows that “around 60-70% of Indian travellers had already begun planning their 2026 travel at the start of the year itself.”
His primary recommendation is to “plan and book early, while opting for flexible travel options wherever possible, to navigate price volatility more effectively.”
An important point for travellers is to keep a close eye on the latest travel advisories to understand potential changes to flight path and onground situation. And while, Vietnam is a popular alternative, be aware of regional fuel stock issues. The country is bracing for potential domestic flight cuts starting this April due to regional export restrictions.
Also Read: How the West Asia War is changing the way you fly | In Pics
