Air India, Air India Express hike fuel surcharge amid rising costs; Akasa Air reinstates levy

For Air India and Air India Express, the revised fuel surcharge ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 1,200 on domestic flights and $55 to $215 on international flights, depending on the route.

NEW DELHI: Air India and Air India Express hiked fuel surcharg on Thursday for both International and domestic flights while Akasa Air announced its decision to re-introduced the surcharge.“ATF prices have witnessed significant volatility in recent months, driven largely by geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets. The latest increase in fuel prices has further elevated operating costs for airlines, with fuel continuing to account for a substantial proportion of overall airline expenditure,” said the airlines in a statement.“The revised fuel surcharge will be reflected in the fare applicable to new bookings made from 0000 Hrs IST on 9 October for Air India Express, and from 1100 hrs IST on 9 October for Air India. The surcharge varies by sector and route category,” it added.For domestic one-way flights, the surcharge ranges from Rs 400 to Rs 1,200, while international surcharges range from $55 for West Asia/Middle East to $215 for North America.Meanwhile, Akasa Air will reintroduce fuel surcharges on domestic flights and increase the levy on international services from October 9, citing sustained higher Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The domestic surcharge will range from Rs 375 to Rs 1,150 depending on distance, while the surcharge on international flights will be Rs 2,500; the airline had introduced the levy in March but later withdrew it on domestic services. Akasa’s move follows similar surcharge announcements by IndiGo, Air India and Air India Express.