IndiGo release dated 5 October 2026; Air India group release dated 8 October 2026. The new charges apply only to new bookings.
IndiGo: from 00:01 on 6 October
IndiGo says rising aviation turbine fuel (ATF) costs led it to revise fuel charges on domestic and international routes. It cites a latest month-on-month rise of more than 14%. The new charges are included in all bookings made after 00:01 on 6 October 2026.
International fuel charges per IndiGo’s release (in INR, as published):
| Region | Fuel charge |
|---|---|
| SAARC, up to 500 km | ₹1,000 |
| SAARC, 501 km and above | ₹3,000 |
| Southeast Asia | ₹5,500 |
| GCC and Middle East | ₹5,500 |
| North and East Asia | ₹5,500 |
| Africa | ₹6,000 |
| Europe | ₹10,000 |
Domestic charges range from ₹375 for sectors up to 500 km to ₹1,300 for sectors above 2,000 km. The release names regions but does not say which countries fall into each one, or whether amounts are per sector or per one-way journey. Check the fare breakdown at booking.
Air India and Air India Express: from 9 October
Air India and Air India Express revised their fuel surcharges on domestic and “select international routes”. The new surcharges apply to new bookings from 00:00 IST on 9 October for Air India Express and from 11:00 IST on 9 October for Air India. The airlines say they apply to itineraries both from and into India.
One-way international surcharges published by the airlines:
| Region | Fuel surcharge |
|---|---|
| West Asia / Middle East | USD 55 |
| Europe (including the UK) | USD 135 |
| Australia | USD 210 |
| North America | USD 215 |
The domestic one-way surcharge runs from ₹400 (0–500 km) to ₹1,200 (above 1,500 km). The release gives no figure for Southeast Asia, East Asia or SAARC routes and does not say what applies there. Check the fare breakdown at booking. Both airlines say they will review surcharges periodically.
Why it matters
- For travellers: On IndiGo, the Southeast Asia and GCC/Middle East bands (₹5,500 each) cover the kind of short-haul trips most Indians take to the Gulf and Southeast Asia. For Sri Lanka, a SAARC member, the SAARC band of ₹3,000 for sectors over 500 km would apply if IndiGo uses the usual SAARC grouping. Check which band your route falls into, because IndiGo does not list countries. All three airlines say the new charges apply to new bookings.
- For agents: Re-quote any held or unticketed fares, including group holds, made before the effective dates. Expect the West Asia surcharge (USD 55 on Air India and Air India Express, ₹5,500 on IndiGo) to show up in Gulf packages.
- For tour operators: Both releases say the charges will be reviewed as fuel prices move. Make sure package prices say whether airfare components are guaranteed or subject to change.