Now, Akasa levies fuel surcharge between Rs 199 and Rs 1,300 on flights

NEW DELHI: After Air India group and IndiGo, Akasa has also levied a fuel surcharge. Akasa will from Sunday (March 15) levy fuel surcharge between Rs 199 and Rs 1,300 on its domestic and international flights.

There has "been a significant increase in the price of aviation turbine fuel, driven by evolving geopolitical developments in the Middle East. As fuel represents a significant portion of airline operating costs, this impacts the cost of operations across the aviation industry…. The fuel surcharge will be applied per sector and will vary based on the duration of the flight,” Akasa said in a statement.Airlines in India have for years been seeking some fiscal relief on excise and GST on fuel to no avail.

But with oil prices skyrocketing, rupees crashing to new lows everyday, longer routes due to airspace restrictions and uncertainty of schedules, costs have reached a tipping point for airlines.Indian airlines with significant international bookings and sales in forex were a little insulated on rupees front so far but the hike in oil prices and long routes - with no fiscal support from government on excise or GST - passengers will have to shell out even more to fly.