There is good news for people planning to travel abroad with Air India.
The airline has reduced its fuel surcharge by up to 39%, a move that is expected to lower the cost of many international flight tickets.
The surcharge had been increased in April due to rising Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices.
Now, as global crude oil prices have eased, Air India has decided to reduce the extra charge on several international routes.
Industry experts also expect IndiGo to announce a similar reduction soon.
However, the airline has not reduced the fuel surcharge on routes where the surcharge remains up to $130, including flights to Singapore, China, Africa, the Middle East, and some other nearby international destinations.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
A fuel surcharge is an extra amount added to the ticket price to cover rising fuel costs.
Since fuel is one of the biggest expenses for airlines, this charge often changes depending on global oil prices.
With Air India’s latest decision:
International air tickets on many routes are expected to become cheaper.
Passengers will pay a lower overall fare.
The reduction will help ease travel costs for international flyers.
Where Has Air India Reduced the Fuel Surcharge?
Air India had introduced higher fuel surcharges in April when aviation fuel prices increased.
For flights to destinations such as the UK, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna, and other European cities, the surcharge was $205 per ticket.
From July 1, it has been reduced to $125.
For flights to North America, Canada, and Australia, including cities like New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver, the surcharge has been cut from $280 to $200.
However, there has been no change in the fuel surcharge for routes to SAARC countries, West Asia, the Middle East, China, Singapore, Southeast Asia, and Africa, where the surcharge remains up to $130.
Air India has also not reduced the fuel surcharge on domestic flights.
The additional charge of ₹299 to ₹899 on domestic routes of up to 2,000 kilometres continues for now, although it may be revised in the future.
What About IndiGo?
IndiGo had also introduced a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international flights.
Currently, the airline charges ₹275 to ₹950 on domestic tickets and ₹900 to ₹10,000 on international flights as a fuel surcharge.
So far, IndiGo has not announced any reduction, but many passengers are expecting an update soon.
International Flights Are Also Returning
Along with the fare relief, airlines are gradually restoring international services.
Air India Express has announced that it is resuming several flights to West Asia in phases.
The Kozhikode–Salalah service resumed on July 2, Kozhikode–Kuwait flights restarted on July 3, and Bengaluru–Kuwait services will resume from July 4.
Air India and IndiGo are also expected to restart some of their temporarily suspended international flights in the coming days, giving travellers more options for overseas travel.
