Shillong: Air India and Air India Express passengers face higher ticket costs starting October 9. The airlines are raising fuel surcharges to offset spiking prices for aviation turbine fuel. Global instability in the Middle East is driving these costs up. The Tata Group airlines joined IndiGo in this move. “ATF prices have remained volatile in recent months amid geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets,” the airlines stated.
Air India Express applies the new rates to bookings made after midnight on October 9. Air India starts its increases at 1100 hours that same day. Domestic surcharges now range from Rs 400 to Rs 1,200. Short flights under 500 km cost Rs 400 extra. Journeys between 501 and 1,000 km add Rs 600. Trips spanning 1,001 to 1,500 km jump to Rs 850. Any flight over 1,501 km hits the peak surcharge of Rs 1,200.
International routes under the Tata carriers see fixed levies. North American flights cost $215 more. Australia-bound travelers pay $210. Europe and the UK carry a $135 charge. West Asia and Middle East routes cost an extra $55.
IndiGo already hiked its own rates on October 6. They report a 14 percent month-on-month fuel cost increase. Domestic surcharges there now reach Rs 1,300 for long hauls. International fees on IndiGo vary widely. Europe flights carry a Rs 10,000 surcharge. Africa flights add Rs 6,000. Southeast Asia and Gulf region routes cost an extra Rs 5,500. Fuel eats into profits. Airlines feel the pinch.
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