Amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing West Asia conflict, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has warned that the aviation sector could start feeling the heat from April 1, as higher Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices come into effect.
Speaking in Visakhapatnam, the minister said, “The ATF prices are decided on the first of every month. The impact might be visible from April 1.”
This signals a possible increase in airfares as fuel costs remain a major component of airline expenses.
Govt Focuses On Safe Operations Amid Crisis
With tensions rising in West Asia, the government has stressed that passenger safety and smooth operations remain top priorities.
Naidu said multiple ministries, including Civil Aviation, External Affairs, and Petroleum, are working together to manage the situation.
“We want to have safe operations, especially in the Middle East,” he said, adding that the government is actively engaging with airlines to minimise disruption.
He assured that the aim is to ensure the impact of rising fuel costs does not directly burden passengers or affect flight operations.
Airfare Caps Removed From March 23
In a key move, the government has decided to remove the temporary cap on domestic airfares from March 23.
The cap was introduced after disruptions involving IndiGo flights in December 2025, which had raised concerns over sudden fare surges.
Airlines Begin Fuel Surcharge Hike
Airlines Begin Fuel Surcharge Hike
Amid increasing ATF prices, major airlines have already started passing on the burden.
Air India has announced a phased fuel surcharge hike on both domestic and international routes. Meanwhile, Akasa Air has also introduced a new fuel surcharge for bookings starting March 15.
The move comes as airlines struggle with rising operational costs due to global fuel price volatility.
West Asia Conflict Hits Global Energy Supply
The ongoing crisis has disrupted global energy supply chains, especially through the critical Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil and gas transportation.
This has led to a spike in crude oil prices, directly impacting aviation fuel costs worldwide.
Govt Assures No Fuel Shortage
Earlier, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured Parliament that India has sufficient fuel supplies despite global disruptions.
“There is no shortage of petrol, diesel, ATF or fuel oil,” he said, adding that refineries are operating at high capacity, sometimes exceeding 100%.
What It Means For Passengers
With airfare caps removed and fuel prices rising, passengers may soon see:
- Higher ticket prices
- Additional fuel surcharges
- Possible fare fluctuations in coming weeks
As global tensions continue, the aviation sector is bracing for a challenging period, with April expected to bring the first visible impact on travellers.
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