‘In discussion with airlines over high jet fuel prices’:West Asia crisis putting big burden on ATF prices, says aviation minister

Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday said the ministry is in discussions with airlines and oil marketing companies on high jet fuel prices due to the West Asia crisis. Airlines are facing headwinds due to the rising prices of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), which accounts for around 40% of a carrier’s operational costs. One of the most important things is how the West Asia crisis is putting a big burden on ATF prices. We are in discussions with airlines and OMCs (Oil Marketing Companies). -Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu On the other hand, according to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai’s ‘X’ post, Adani Airports will begin a phased redevelopment of the North Section of Terminal 1B at Mumbai Airport from January 2027, addressing the “ageing infrastructure” while minimising disruption to passengers and airlines. The social media post further said that 91% of Mumbai Airport’s passenger traffic will remain unaffected, while the redeveloped Terminal 1 will see a 33% increase in capacity. IndiGo hikes fuel charges Budget airline IndiGo has hiked fuel charges from Tuesday citing rising ATF prices. IndiGo has hiked fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights. Fare hike on international routes: IndiGo has also revised fuel charges for international flights based on the distance and destination. For flights within the SAARC region, routes up to 500 km will attract a charge of ₹1,000, while routes covering 501 km and above will carry a charge of ₹3,000. Flights to Southeast Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Middle East, and North and East Asia will attract a fuel charge of ₹5,500. The charge for flights to Africa has been fixed at ₹6,000, while passengers travelling to Europe will pay ₹10,000. Jet fuel prices currently at highest level in 10 years: IndiGo IndiGo said the continuous rise in fuel prices, with the latest month-on-month increase exceeding 14%, has taken ATF costs to levels that are amongst the highest in the last decade. Aviation Turbine Fuel, the fuel used in aeroplanes, had become ₹16 per litre more expensive from 1 October. For domestic airlines, the prices had risen from ₹121 to ₹137 per litre.