Air travel is set to become more expensive ahead of the festive season, with Air India, Air India Express and Akasa Air increasing fuel surcharges amid rising aviation fuel prices and continuing tensions in the Middle East. IndiGo had announced a similar increase earlier.
 

The higher charges could add to passengers’ travel expenses at a time when demand for flights is expected to rise ahead of the festive period. Travellers on long-distance domestic and international routes are likely to face a greater additional cost.
 

Air India and Air India Express announced revised fuel surcharges for domestic flights and selected international routes on Thursday. The revised charges will apply to new bookings made from October 9, 2026.
 

Air India and Air India Express: Revised Domestic Charges
 

The two airlines have introduced distance-based fuel surcharges for domestic journeys.
 

The revised charges are as follows:
 

Up to 500 km: ₹400
 

501–1,000 km: ₹600
 

1,001–1,500 km: ₹850
 

More than 1,500 km: ₹1,200
 

For international flights, the one-way fuel surcharge has been set at $215 for North America, $210 for Australia, $135 for Europe and the United Kingdom, and $55 for West Asia and the Middle East.
 

For new Air India Express bookings, the revised surcharge will take effect from midnight on October 9. For Air India, the new charges will apply to fresh bookings from 11 am on the same day.
 

Akasa Air Also Increases Fuel Surcharge
 

Akasa Air has revised its fuel surcharge for domestic flights according to the distance travelled.
 

The new charges are:
 

Up to 500 km: ₹375
 

501–1,000 km: ₹600
 

1,001–1,500 km: ₹900
 

1,501 km or more: ₹1,150
 

For international flights from India to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Vietnam, Akasa Air has introduced a fuel surcharge of ₹2,500.
 

Rising Fuel Costs Behind the Increase
 

The airlines said the revised charges were introduced in response to continued increases and fluctuations in aviation fuel prices. Pressure on global energy markets and geopolitical developments have also affected fuel costs.
 

Fuel accounts for a substantial share of airlines’ operating expenses. Air India and Air India Express said the revised surcharges would help cover part of the additional fuel costs, while Akasa Air said its move was intended to partly offset the impact of prevailing fuel prices.
 

All three airlines said the surcharges would be reviewed periodically, depending on fuel prices and overall operating conditions.
 

With the festive season approaching, the increase is expected to add to the cost of flying for passengers booking new tickets on the affected routes.