Bengaluru – 14th March: Akasa Air has announced that it will introduce a fuel surcharge ranging from ₹199 to ₹1,300 on domestic and international flight tickets booked from March 15, 2026, citing a sharp rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices driven by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
In a statement shared on social media, the airline said the surcharge will apply to all bookings made from 00:01 hrs on March 15, while tickets booked before that time will not be affected. The surcharge will be applied per sector and will vary depending on the duration of the flight.
Rising Fuel Costs Impact Airlines
According to the airline, the decision was taken following a significant increase in aviation fuel prices.
“There has been a significant increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel, driven by evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East,” the airline said in its statement.
Fuel accounts for a major portion of airline operating expenses, and the airline noted that rising fuel costs are impacting operations across the aviation industry.
Despite the surcharge, Akasa Air said it remains committed to providing reliable services, efficient operations and affordable fares while maintaining high operational standards. The airline added that it will continue monitoring the situation and review the surcharge periodically depending on fuel price trends.
Other Airlines Also Increase Charges
The move follows similar actions by other major Indian carriers including IndiGo and Air India, which recently introduced additional fuel charges on new bookings.
IndiGo earlier announced a fuel surcharge ranging from ₹425 to ₹2,300 on domestic and international bookings from March 14, citing the sharp rise in fuel prices. Meanwhile, the Air India Group introduced a surcharge ranging from ₹399 to $200 on certain flights to offset rising operational costs.
Middle East Conflict Driving Fuel Price Surge
The surge in aviation fuel prices is largely linked to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil supplies. Attacks on shipping routes and oil infrastructure, along with disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, have tightened fuel supplies and pushed prices higher.
Airlines are also facing additional operational costs due to airspace restrictions and longer rerouted flights, which increase fuel consumption.
Industry experts say long-haul international routes are likely to experience the greatest impact, though domestic fares may also remain under pressure if fuel prices continue to rise.
With Akasa Air joining other carriers in implementing surcharges, air travellers in India may see higher ticket prices in the coming weeks as airlines attempt to offset rising fuel costs.