Brief
India's domestic flight fuel price jumps ₹16 per litre, pushing festive fares up to three‑fold
ATF prices rose to ₹137 per litre on Oct 1, while ticket costs on routes like Mumbai‑Kolkata and Bengaluru‑Kolkata surged to ₹15‑16k.
By Felo News Desk · Published
From October 1, aviation turbine fuel (ATF) for domestic airlines in India increased by about ₹16 per litre, climbing from ₹121 to ₹137, the steepest of three consecutive monthly hikes, news18 reported. The rise coincides with a sharp jump in airfares on several popular domestic routes ahead of the Diwali, Durga Puja and Chhath festivals.
What happened
The ATF price hike follows a ₹5‑per‑litre increase in August and a ₹6.28‑per‑litre rise in September. At the same time, airlines have seen demand surge as travellers return home for the festivals, while seat availability on many corridors remains limited. As a result, fares on some routes have more than doubled, and in a few cases approached three times their usual levels.
What the reports add
News18 listed specific examples: Mumbai–Kolkata direct flights are now around ₹15,000, compared with the usual ₹6,000‑7,000; Bengaluru–Kolkata tickets are near ₹16,340; and Delhi–Patna fares during the Chhath window have risen to about ₹12,500, versus the typical ₹4,000‑5,000 range. The outlet noted that ATF can account for up to 40 % of an airline’s operating costs, meaning sustained fuel‑price growth puts pressure on carriers, though airlines may absorb part of the increase depending on competition and route economics.
What was said
Officials cited by news18 linked the broader upward trend partly to the situation in West Asia. The government, while refusing to impose a hard price cap on airfares, is advising airlines to keep rates “reasonable” during the festive period.
How it came about
The fuel price surge follows earlier hikes in August and September, reflecting rising global crude prices and regional geopolitical tensions. Earlier Felo coverage noted related price pressures in other sectors, such as the October 3 rise in petrol and diesel by Nayara Energy and the broader fuel‑price impacts on South Africa’s job market. Travelers are urged to book early, compare airlines, and consider flexible dates as prices are expected to keep climbing closer to departure.
Key facts
- ATF price rose from ₹121 to ₹137 per litre on Oct 1, a ₹16 increase. (news18.com)
- Mumbai–Kolkata fares jumped to around ₹15,000, roughly double the usual price. (news18.com)
- Bengaluru–Kolkata tickets are listed near ₹16,340, and Delhi–Patna fares reached about ₹12,500 during Chhath. (news18.com)
- ATF can represent up to 40 % of an airline’s operating expenses. (news18.com)
- The government said it will not impose a hard price cap but advises airlines to keep rates reasonable. (news18.com)
Sources
- [1] news18.com — originally reported as “Airfares Set To Get Costlier? Flight Fuel Prices Hiked ₹16/Litre As Festive Fares Jump Up To 3X”
