New Delhi: International flight ticket prices are beginning to soften after airlines started rolling back fuel surcharges that were raised amid West Asia war tensions.
The spike followed the US-Iran conflict that began on February 28, which disrupted crude oil availability and pushed up fuel prices. To offset higher operating costs, airlines increased fuel surcharge components, sharply raising the overall ticket burden for passengers.
After a temporary ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran, crude supply has stabilised and international crude prices have declined. In response, airlines have moved to reduce fuel surcharges—one of the key elements in airfare pricing—creating room for lower international fares.
As part of this, Air India reduced its international fuel surcharge from July 1. The carrier cut the surcharge by 38% on Europe and UK routes and by 28.5% on Australia and North America routes.
For Europe-bound passengers, the fuel surcharge has been reduced from Rs 19,520 (in effect since April 10) to Rs 11,900. For Australia and North America routes, it has been brought down from Rs 26,664 to Rs 10,045. Separately, Air India Express said it has resumed services to Salalah in Oman and Kuwait, restoring operations to all destinations it serves in West Asia.
