New Delhi: If you’re planning to book a flight soon, be prepared to pay a little extra. The Air India group has announced a fresh fuel surcharge on tickets, which will come into effect from April 8, pushing up the overall cost of flying.

How much more will you pay?

For domestic travellers, the surcharge will range between ₹299 and ₹899, depending on the distance.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Up to 500 km: ₹299

501–1,000 km (approx.): ₹399

1001 – 1500: ₹549

1501 – 2000: ₹749

On international routes, passengers could see an additional $24 to $280 added to their ticket price.

The revised charges will also apply to flights operated by Air India Express.

Why are ticket prices going up?

The airline says the move comes as fuel costs have surged sharply in recent weeks. According to the latest data from the International Air Transport Association, global jet fuel prices nearly doubled, rising from $99.40 per barrel in February to $195.19 by late March.

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, making up 40–45% of total operating costs. Adding to the pressure, refining margins (also known as “crack spread”) have jumped significantly, further increasing overall fuel expenses.

What’s changing in pricing?

Air India has shifted from a flat fuel surcharge to a distance-based system for domestic flights, meaning longer routes will attract higher charges.

The airline said this approach follows the government’s move to cap domestic ATF (Aviation Turbine Fuel) price hikes at 25%, allowing for a more balanced pricing strategy.

However, for international routes, where no such cap exists, the airline has introduced steeper surcharge revisions to cope with rising costs.

The airline added that surcharge changes for routes to Bangladesh and Far East destinations like Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea will be announced later, subject to regulatory approvals.

This isn’t just limited to Air India. Budget carrier IndiGo has also increased fuel surcharges, signalling a broader trend of rising airfares across the industry.

Despite the hike, Air India noted that current surcharges still do not fully cover the sharp increase in fuel costs, and the airline continues to absorb a part of the burden.