ATF price crosses ₹2 lakh, air tickets can be expensive

By Samira Vishwas On Apr 1, 2026

Jet Fuel Price Hike: 1 April 2026 has turned out to be a major turning point for the Indian aviation sector, as aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices have crossed ₹2 lakh per kiloliter for the first time in history. The nearly 115% increase in jet fuel has raised concerns for both airlines and passengers. middle (…)

This increase is due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the global oil crisis, which has a direct impact on air travel. The ATF price for international flights departing from Delhi has now gone up to $1,690.81 per KL, a huge jump of 107%. The weakness of the rupee has also increased financial pressure on airlines.

With ATF prices in India—deregulated since 2001 and revised monthly based on international benchmarks, facing extraordinary pressure due to global energy disruptions and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a steep increase of over 100% was anticipated from 1 April.
In this…
— Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu (@RamMNK) April 1, 2026

A ‘do or die’ situation for airlines:

Aviation experts believe that after such a huge increase, the airlines are left with no option but to increase the air fares. Jet fuel already accounts for 45% of an airline’s total operating costs – a ratio that is set to rise even further.

According to Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, the ongoing conflict has forced aircraft to fly longer routes, resulting in higher fuel consumption even before this price hike. For smaller airlines, it may no longer be possible to continue flight operations, which may reduce the number of flights available on various routes.

What will be the impact on the general public?
If you are planning to travel home or go on vacation during the holidays, you may want to reevaluate your budget. This is because, after the government’s decision to lift the ‘fare cap’ (upper limit on air fares) on March 21, 2026, airlines will now be free to increase ticket prices at will. Airlines like IndiGo and Acasa are already charging hefty surcharges, which are now set to increase further. With payments being made in dollars and rising costs, traveling abroad will now become quite expensive.