Travelers Between UAE, India, and Pakistan Face Steeper Fares
Passengers flying between the United Arab Emirates, India, and Pakistan are bracing for higher ticket prices after major airlines imposed or increased fuel surcharges in response to a sharp spike in global oil prices. The surge comes as crude prices have soared above $100 per barrel, driven by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran—a situation that has rattled energy markets and sent aviation fuel costs sharply higher.
IndiGo Implements New Surcharges on All Routes
India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has announced that new fuel surcharges will apply to all bookings made from March 14, 2026. Passengers will now pay an additional ₹425 for domestic flights, ₹900 for the Middle East, and up to ₹2,300 for routes to Europe. The airline, which operates more than 400 aircraft and serves over 95 domestic and 40 international destinations, says the surcharge is a partial adjustment to help offset rising fuel costs while aiming to minimize the impact on travelers.
Pakistan International Airlines and Air India Raise Fees
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has also hiked fuel surcharges, citing a 34% increase in fuel costs due to the regional conflict. Passengers now face a $20 increase on domestic flights and up to $100 more on international routes. Meanwhile, the Air India group has updated its surcharge structure, keeping domestic fees at ₹399 but raising international surcharges by as much as $200 for flights to North America and Australia.
Flight Disruptions and Reduced Capacity Push Prices Higher
The escalation of the Israel–Iran conflict on February 28, 2026, has led to the cancellation or reduction of hundreds of flights as airlines navigate airspace restrictions over Iran and extra security measures in the Gulf. Many carriers are now operating at reduced capacity, often taking longer routes to avoid conflict zones—factors that further limit seat availability and drive up fares.
Travellers between the UAE, India, and Pakistan should prepare for higher airfares and additional fuel surcharges in the coming weeks, as airlines grapple with surging fuel prices and operational challenges caused by ongoing regional instability.
