Citing a “sharp surge” in global aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices amid the escalating Iran war, IndiGo will start levying fuel charges on all domestic and international flight tickets from March 14, 2026.
The move by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd comes at a time when energy costs have increased due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. According to the IATA Jet Fuel Monitor, fuel prices in the region have increased by more than 85%.
ATF typically accounts for about 40% of an airline’s operating expenses. IndiGo said the “sudden and drastic” increase in ATF prices has a significant impact on its cost structure.
The new charges apply to each sector and vary depending on destination:
- Domestic and Indian Subcontinent: ₹425
- Middle East: ₹900
- Southeast Asia and China: ₹1,800
- Africa and West Asia: ₹1,800
- Europe: ₹2,300
IndiGo said it has opted for lower fuel charges for the benefit of passengers as it would require a “substantial adjustment” in the base fare to fully balance the increase in ATF prices.
The move comes days after Air India and Air India Express announced the phased implementation of new fuel surcharges from March 10, 2026, saying that without these surcharges, some flights would become economically unviable and could face cancellation.
IndiGo, which operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft and will fly 124 million customers by 2025, said it will continue to monitor the volatile crude oil market and adjust surcharges as appropriate. The airline remains the largest player in the sector, currently connecting more than 135 destinations globally.
