Kamal Ghorui
In a recent update, IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has announced the introduction of a fuel charge on both domestic and international flights starting 14 March 2026. The charges will be applicable to all new bookings made from 00:01 hours on March 14. The decision comes after the airline struggles with a surge in fuel costs triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As per the airline, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Jet Fuel Monitor indicates that fuel prices have increased by over 85%. It’s a significant hike in the cost of running airline operations.Fuel charge breakdownAs per new structure, the additional fuel charge per passenger per sector will vary depending on the route:Domestic India: ₹425Indian Subcontinent: ₹425Middle East: ₹900Southeast Asia and China: ₹1,800Africa and West Asia: ₹1,800Europe: ₹2,300The airline also mentioned that aviation turbine fuel (ATF) is the reason for one of the largest portions of an airline’s operating expenses. It means fluctuations in fuel prices can have a direct impact on ticket costs. IndiGo said the surcharge is only a partial adjustment and added that absorbing the entire cost increase would require much higher fare hikes.Why fuel costs are affecting airfares
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It’s a fact that fuel represents about 30–40% of an airline’s operating cost. This is the reason why airlines are being affected by the fuel price hike globally. Recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia have resulted in a hike of crude oil prices affecting airlines worldwide. As a result, several carriers are now introducing surcharges. Earlier this week, Air India and Air India Express also introduced fuel surcharges on tickets because of the same reason.What it means for travellersFor travellers, it means higher ticket prices, especially for international destinations. A domestic flight ticket, for example, could become ₹400–₹500 more expensive, but long-haul flights to Europe may see fares rise by over ₹2,000 depending on demand and route. This might have an effect on those who travel on budget. Travellers planning international trips may also notice a significant hike in ticket prices.Will the fuel charge stay permanently?IndiGo said the surcharge will be reviewed periodically and adjusted depending on fuel price trends. Airlines often remove such charges if fuel prices stabilize — a pattern seen in the past.For now, travellers will have to pay more for air tickets.
