Longer routes, higher fares for air travellers: Airlines add fuel surcharge as West Asia tensions disrupt flights

After Air India announced fuel surcharges on domestic and international routes following a sharp rise in jet fuel prices linked to geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region, IndiGo has also introduced a fuel charge on both domestic and international flights, effective from yesterday. The move comes amid growing disruption to global aviation routes as the escalating Israel and Iran conflict forces airlines to cancel flights, reroute and take longer routes to avoid sensitive airspace, pushing up operational costs.

With flight cancellations rising and fares moving up on key international routes, where do your travel plans stand?

Airlines take longer routes, some flights rerouted via RussiaThe conflict has also compelled airlines to change flight paths, particularly on long-haul routes between India and Europe. Hari Ganapathy, co-founder of Pickyourtrail, notes that several routes that earlier passed through Iranian airspace are currently being rerouted. “For example, many India–Europe routes that previously flew over Iran are now being rerouted via Russia. This increases travel time and operational costs for airlines,” he shares.
Routes to key transit hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi have also been affected. Ganapathy informs that flights to Dubai have been among the hardest hit, accounting for 50–65% of flight cancellations recorded this week. He adds that while the disruptions have created uncertainty, the impact is largely operational rather than a collapse in travel demand. “Travellers are becoming more flexible with routing and travel dates. Many are booking closer to departure and monitoring flight routes more closely,” he comments.

Akash Rastogi, director, Argosy Travels, Gurgaon, shares, “Most European airlines are either fully booked for the next two to three weeks or are offering flights at significantly inflated prices. As a result, fares are likely to remain high as airlines deal with limited capacity, higher fuel costs and longer routes,” he shares.

‘Airfares could stay elevated if crisis prevails’
According to Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, the conflict has created uncertainty for international travellers, particularly on routes passing through the Middle East.
Travel companies are spending considerable effort rerouting passengers and adjusting itineraries wherever flights are disrupted or airspace restrictions are imposed. Rajiv Mehra, general secretary of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism & Hospitality, says leisure travel is especially sensitive to geopolitical tensions. “Travel, particularly leisure travel, thrives when peace prevails. We are seeing cancellations for bookings to the UAE and Europe,” he said. Mehra adds that higher fuel prices, rising insurance costs and longer routes could keep airfares elevated if the situation continues.

‘Demand for international travel remains strong’
Travel companies say the disruption has already led to cancellations and rerouting across several international corridors. However, Nishant Pitti, founder and chairman of EaseMyTrip, points out that while the Gulf airspace situation caused temporary disruption the travel ecosystem responded quickly.
“While around 350 flights were cancelled on peak disruption days, airlines have already begun phased resumption of Gulf routes. Demand for international travel remains strong as travellers explore alternative destinations,” he says.