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New Delhi: Air India and Air India Express have decided to levy a fuel surcharge on domestic and international routes. The Air India Group said that move was necessitated due to a surge in jet fuel prices amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

New fuel surcharge to be increased in phases manner

The group will implement the new fuel surcharges in a phased manner. In its statement, Air India said that some flights won’t be able to cover operating cost with such moves, which might also lead to cancellation.

It added that the fuel surcharge of Rs 399 would be imposed from March 12 on domestic flights in the first phase, which will also be implemented for flights going to SAARC nations.

Similarly, for flights going to West Asia, the fuel surcharge will be $10. The same will be hike from $30 to $90 for flights going to Africa and between $20 to $60 for South Asia. The said surcharges will be effective from March 12.

In the next phase, the surcharges will be increased by $25 to $50 for flights going to Europe, Australia and North America from March 18. It added that fuel surcharge for flights going to Europe will increase to $125,and will be increased to $200 for flights going to North America.

Air India Group issues statement

“Air India group today announced a phased expansion of a fuel surcharge on its domestic and international routes, necessitated by the steep rise in jet fuel prices arising from the geopolitical situation in the Gulf region,” the statement said.

It added, “In India, this pressure is amplified by high Excise Duty and VAT on ATF in major metro cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, magnifying the cost impact and placing substantial strain on airline operating economics.”