Airlines Increase Fuel Surcharges Starting October 9, 2026

Airlines are adjusting ticket prices due to rising fuel costs, with Air India and Akasa Air set to implement new fuel surcharges starting October 9, 2026. These changes reflect the ongoing volatility in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, which have been impacted by global energy markets and geopolitical events. Passengers booking flights after these specific dates will encounter the revised charges, which vary based on the route and distance of travel.

Air India Express and Air India’s Revised Rates

Air India Express will begin applying its updated fuel surcharge rates to bookings made from 12:00 a.m. Indian Standard Time (IST) on October 9, 2026. Air India’s new charges will take effect slightly later, at 11:00 a.m. IST on the same day. These adjustments are a direct response to sustained pressure on fuel costs, which airlines attribute to global economic factors.

Akasa Air’s Schedule for New Charges

Akasa Air’s revised fuel surcharge will apply to bookings made from 12:01 a.m. IST on October 9, 2026. Like the other carriers, Akasa’s changes are a measure to partially offset the increased operating expenses driven by higher ATF prices. The airline had previously withdrawn its domestic surcharge but is now reintroducing it alongside revised international fees.

Domestic Fuel Surcharges Vary by Distance

The new domestic fuel surcharges are calculated based on the distance of the one-way sector. While there are some overlaps in the pricing brackets between Air India and Akasa Air, there are also notable differences. For sectors up to 500 kilometers, Air India and Express will charge ₹400, while Akasa Air will charge ₹375. Both airlines will charge ₹600 for routes between 501 and 1,000 kilometers.

For longer domestic flights, the charges diverge more significantly. Air India and Express will charge ₹850 for sectors between 1,001 and 1,500 kilometers, and ₹1,200 for any sector above 1,500 kilometers. Akasa Air’s rates for longer flights are ₹900 for 1,001-1,500 kilometers and ₹1,150 for all sectors exceeding 1,500 kilometers.

International Fuel Surcharges Differ by Region and Route

International fuel surcharges are structured differently by the airlines. Air India and Air India Express use regional amounts in U.S. dollars. For example, flights to North America will incur a surcharge of US$215, while flights to Europe (including the UK) will be US$135. Flights to West Asia and the Middle East will have a surcharge of US$55.

Akasa Air, on the other hand, applies a flat rupee fee to six specific country routes. Flights connecting India to Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, or Vietnam will have a surcharge of ₹2,500. This fee is consistent across all these destinations.

Reasons Behind the Fuel Surcharge Increases

Airlines have cited significant volatility in ATF prices in recent months as the primary reason for these adjustments. Geopolitical developments and sustained pressure on global energy markets have driven ATF prices up. Reports indicate that domestic ATF prices have risen by over 14% month-on-month, with airlines paying approximately ₹137 per liter, an increase from ₹121 per liter. These successive price hikes in August, September, and October have made it necessary for airlines to adjust their fares.

Impact on Travelers and Future Adjustments

The introduction of these fuel surcharges means that passengers booking flights after the specified cutoff dates will pay more for their tickets. The final added amount will depend on the specific airline, the route, the distance, and for international flights, the currency of the charge. Air India and Express have stated that they will periodically review and adjust their charges as needed, indicating that these surcharges may change in response to future fuel price fluctuations and operating conditions. This move by Air India and Akasa Air follows similar adjustments made by other carriers, such as IndiGo, which revised its charges earlier in October.

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