Air India Hikes Fares: ₹399 Fuel Surcharge Added to Domestic Tickets

• Air India has imposed a ₹399 fuel surcharge on domestic tickets for all new bookings.
• The move is a response to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and global oil market volatility.
• Fares on key routes like Delhi-Mumbai will increase from ₹5,636 to approximately ₹6,035, and Delhi-Bengaluru from ₹6,999 to about ₹7,398.
• Fuel costs represent 35-40% of airline operating expenses; the surcharge helps offset these spikes without immediately raising base fares.
• While seemingly modest, the additional cost could significantly impact frequent flyers and corporate travelers if high fuel prices persist.