Air India Fares To Rise As It Imposes Fuel Surcharge Amid Iran War
Travelers will soon pay more for Air India flights. On Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the airline announced a new fuel surcharge. This extra fee applies to both domestic and international trips. The goal is to cover the rising cost of jet fuel. In fact, the Iran-US war has caused oil prices to spike. Plus, the airline warns that some flights might face cancellation without this move.
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The New Surcharge Rates
But how much extra will you pay? Air India shared a list of rates for different regions. Is every flight getting a huge hike? No. Consequently, the cost depends on how far you fly. Moreover, these rates will roll out in three separate phases. Previously, fuel costs were stable, but the war changed everything in early March. So, the airline must act to stay in business. Therefore, your next booking will likely show a higher final price.
| Destination | New Surcharge (USD) | Phase Status |
| 🕌 Middle East | $10 | Phase 1 |
| 🌏 Southeast Asia | $20 to $60 | Phase 1 & 2 |
| 🦁 Africa | $30 to $90 | All Phases |
| 🇮🇳 Domestic | Varies by Route | Coming Soon |
The Gas and Fuel Crisis
Still, why are fuel prices jumping so fast? The reason involves the Strait of Hormuz. This shipping route is now a war zone. And, more than 750 ships are currently stuck at major ports. Accordingly, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) now costs much more to secure. In fact, ATF makes up 40% of an airline’s total costs.
But there is one bit of good news for budget travelers. The reason is that Air India Express will not add this fee for now. Why? Because the low-cost carrier wants to offer some relief to passengers. Essentially, this Tata-run airline is trying to stay affordable during the crisis.
Natural Gas Disruptions in Asia
Then there is the issue of natural gas. India buys a lot of gas from Qatar. Indeed, Iran recently attacked Qatar’s gas fields. Because of this, QatarEnergy had to stop production. Worth noting: The government has now set new priority rules for gas use. Ultimately, India is managing its energy very carefully to avoid a total shutdown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are my existing bookings safe? So, yes. Surcharges usually apply only to new tickets booked from today. Because of this, you likely won’t pay extra if you already have a ticket.
Which airline is cheapest right now? In fact, Air India Express is a good choice. Additionally, they are not adding a fuel surcharge for the time being.
Will ticket prices fall soon? But this depends on the war ending. Consequently, Air India will review the fees as global oil prices change.
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