The conflict in West Asia has significantly impacted various sectors in India. Following the rise in LPG prices, which affected the restaurant industry, the airline sector is now facing a surge in jet fuel prices. As a result, air travel is set to become more expensive. Air India has announced a phased implementation of a fuel surcharge for both international and domestic flights, starting on March 12, 2026, which falls on a Thursday. Here’s everything you need to know about this announcement from Air India.
All About Air India Fuel Surcharge 2026
Air India Flight Tickets To Get Costlier
Air India has announced a fuel surcharge and has also mentioned that the surcharge will be applicable to Air India Express as well. The fuel surcharge is the result of the sharp rise in the prices of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) since early March 2026. The prices are rising because of supply disruptions in the Gulf region due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Air India mentioned all of this in an official statement on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
The airline also mentioned that the tickets that have been issued before the implementation of the surcharge will not be affected. It might get affected only when the passengers make any changes to their travel dates. Also, if their change in itinerary would need the recalculation of fare, the fuel surcharge will be applicable.
Air India group has announced expanded fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes, following a steep rise in jet fuel prices driven by the Gulf region’s geopolitical situation. The new fuel surcharges – also applicable to Air India Express – will be…
— Air India (@airindia) March 10, 2026
Fuel Surcharge Phases
As mentioned in the official statement by Air India, this fuel surcharge will take place in multiple phases. Here’s how:
Phase 1: Under Phase 1, the fares for domestic flights and routes to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) will increase by INR 399 per ticket. This includes Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. This will be applicable for all the new bookings that will be made on March 12, 2026, from 0001 IST (Indian Standard Time).
Phase 2: In Phase 2, this fuel surcharge will be applied on several more international routes. This includes Europe by USD 25, Australia by USD 50, and North America by USD 50. This will be applicable for all the new bookings that will be made on March 18, 2026, from 0001 IST (Indian Standard Time).
Phase 3: The Phase 3 of the fuel surcharge will be applicable to other Far East destinations. This includes Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan. The details about the same will be announced soon!
Summing Up
Air India has also mentioned that the surcharge will be reviewed over time and also adjusted according to the ongoing situation and fuel prices.
