Flight Tickets Get Costlier: Akasa Air Joins IndiGo And Air India To Add Fuel Surcharge Amid Global Crisis

Budget airline Akasa Air has announced a fare increase due to a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices. The airline said it will introduce a fuel surcharge on all new bookings starting March 15, 2026, citing a significant jump in the cost of Aviation Turbine Fuel.

The decision comes as airlines across India face growing operating costs amid global geopolitical tensions affecting fuel supply and prices.

Fuel Surcharge to Apply on New Bookings

According to the airline, passengers booking tickets from March 15 onwards will have to pay an additional surcharge on each flight sector. The surcharge will range from ₹199 to ₹1,300, depending on the duration and route of the flight.

Akasa Air clarified that the new charge will not apply to tickets booked before 12:01 AM on March 15, 2026.

A company spokesperson explained that the surcharge will vary based on how long the flight is and the route being operated. The airline also said that it will keep monitoring fuel prices and review the surcharge regularly depending on the operating environment.

Rising Jet Fuel Costs Behind the Decision

The airline's announcement comes at a time when aviation fuel prices have increased sharply. Jet fuel, which usually accounts for around 40 percent of an airline's total operating costs, has become significantly more expensive in recent weeks.

Industry experts link the surge in prices to geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the alliance between the United States and Israel, which have affected supply chains and global energy markets.

These developments have created uncertainty in fuel markets, forcing airlines to adjust ticket prices to manage rising expenses.

Akasa Air's Presence in India and International Markets

Akasa Air currently holds around 5 percent of India's aviation market share and operates flights to nearly two dozen domestic destinations.

The airline has also expanded its international network, particularly to destinations in West Asia. Its routes include cities such as Kuwait City, Doha, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi.
These international routes are particularly sensitive to fuel price fluctuations because of longer flight durations.

Other Airlines Also Increasing Airfares

Akasa Air is not the only airline raising ticket prices. Several major carriers in India have introduced or increased fuel surcharges in recent days.

India's largest airline, IndiGo, announced that it will start charging a sector-based fuel surcharge on tickets from March 14. The airline has set a ₹425 surcharge for domestic and nearby international routes, while long-distance routes to Europe may carry charges of up to ₹2,300.

Similarly, Air India and Air India Express began introducing fuel surcharges in phases from March 12.

For these airlines, domestic and SAARC routes now carry a surcharge of ₹399, while flights to West Asia include an additional $10 charge. On longer international routes, such as those to Europe, the surcharge may reach $125, and routes to North America or Australia could see charges rise up to $200.

Airlines Seek Government Support as Costs Rise

The surge in fuel prices has also prompted industry leaders to call for government support. SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh recently said that airlines have limited options when fuel prices remain high.

He urged the government to consider reducing taxes such as excise duty and VAT on jet fuel, arguing that operating costs are becoming unsustainable when global crude prices approach $90 per barrel.

Another budget airline, AirAsia, has also confirmed that it plans to increase fares due to rising costs.

Impact on Passengers

With several airlines introducing fuel surcharges, air travel may become more expensive in the coming weeks. Passengers booking tickets after the new surcharge dates will likely notice higher fares, especially on longer routes.

However, airlines say these steps are necessary to maintain operations and manage rising fuel costs in an uncertain global environment.