News Delhi: Air India and its subsidiary, Air India Express, will begin imposing a fuel surcharge of ₹399 on all domestic flight tickets starting March 12, as the carriers grapple with a dramatic surge in aviation turbine fuel costs triggered by the escalating conflict in West Asia.

The airline group announced Tuesday that the new fees will also extend to international routes, implemented through a strategic phased rollout.

"Air India group today announced a phased expansion of a fuel surcharge on its domestic and international routes, necessitated by the steep rise in jet fuel prices arising from the geopolitical situation in the Gulf region," the group stated in a formal release.

Domestic and Regional Adjustments

Under the initial phase, effective this Thursday, a flat fee of ₹399 will be added to every domestic ticket. This same rate will be applied to flights within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) network.

International Rate Hikes

The surcharge structure for international long-haul and regional services will vary by destination:

  • West Asia: A surcharge of $10 will be implemented.
  • Southeast Asia: Rates will increase by $20 to reach a total of $60.
  • Africa: Charges will see a $30 hike, bringing the total to $90.

The adjustment significantly impacts Singapore services, which previously carried no fuel surcharge; these flights will now be subject to the new fee structure starting March 12.

The move by the Tata-owned carrier follows a period of extreme volatility in global energy markets after hostilities broke out between U.S.-Israeli forces and Iran on Feb. 28, disrupting primary fuel transit corridors. Industry analysts suggest other domestic carriers may soon follow suit as operational costs continue to climb.

With inputs from PTI