The airline said the new charge will take effect from 00:01 hours on March 14and will apply to all new bookings.

In a statement, IndiGo said the decision follows a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

Citing data from the International Air Transport Association’s Jet Fuel Monitor, the airline noted that fuel prices in the region have surged by more than 85 percent.

Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) constitutes a significant portion of airline operating costs, and IndiGo said the steep increase is expected to have a material impact on airline operations and costs.

“While offsetting the entire impact of this fuel price surge requires a very substantial adjustment to fares, IndiGo has introduced a relatively smaller amount as a fuel charge, keeping in mind the consequential burden on customers,” the airline said.

Under the new structure, passengers will pay an additional fuel charge per sector based on the route:

Domestic India: ₹425

Indian Subcontinent: ₹425

Middle East: ₹900

Southeast Asia and China: ₹1,800

Africa and West Asia: ₹1,800

Europe: ₹2,300
The airline said it regrets the inconvenience caused by the additional charge but stressed that the decision was driven by a sudden and significant change in operating conditions.

“IndiGo regrets the inconvenience resulting from this additional charge and reiterates that the measure has been driven by a sudden and substantial change in the operating environment,” the company said, adding that it will continue to monitor the situation and make adjustments if necessary.

The move comes amid global disruptions in oil markets and shipping routes caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran.