Airfares soar: IndiGo adds more fuel charges

Airfares across India are expected to rise following IndiGo's announcement of increased fuel charges for domestic and international flights. The airline cited sustained increases in Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices as the primary reason for this adjustment.

ATF, which constitutes approximately 40 percent of an Indian carrier's operating expenses, has seen a nearly 25 percent increase in Delhi since July, with a notable surge in October alone. Geopolitical developments in the Middle East have also impacted global crude oil supply, further driving up fuel costs.

These revised charges, effective from Tuesday for all new bookings, represent the second revision by IndiGo since they first introduced a fuel surcharge in March 2026. The airline has implemented a modest adjustment to mitigate the impact on passengers, despite the significant rise in operational costs.

Domestic flight charges now range from ₹375 to ₹1,300, depending on distance, an increase from the previous ₹275 to ₹950. International routes also see higher charges, with SAARC flights now costing ₹1,000 up to 500 km and ₹3,000 for longer distances. Southeast Asia and Gulf flights face a new charge of ₹5,500.

IndiGo highlighted that the month-on-month increase in ATF prices has exceeded 14 percent, reaching levels not seen in a decade. The airline plans to continue monitoring the situation and make further adjustments if necessary.