New Delhi: Amid the rising global oil prices due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, airfares are likely to get costlier. The Civil Aviation Minister
Ram Mohan Naidu told ANI that the multiple ministries are collectively working hard to ensure minimal consequences. He also revealed that the changes in the Air Turbine Fuel (ATF) costs will be revised from April 1.
While speaking to ANI, he said, “The ATF prices are decided on the first of every month. So the impact might be visible from April 1st, but we are continuously engaging with the airlines.”
He added that their first goal is to have safe operations, especially in the Middle East and for all other people also. Naidu said, “The war might create economic impact on the airlines and their operations. We are constantly taking feedback from the airlines, and we are in discussion because it is a multi-departmental exercise…”
#WATCH | Visakhapatnam | Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu says, “The ATF prices are decided on the first of every month. So the impact might be visible from April 1st, but we are continuously engaging with the airlines. The first and foremost is that we want to have… pic.twitter.com/itLwkaeXdu
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2026
Naidu added that the government is trying their best for the airlines. The intention of the ministry is to ensure that the impact of the oil and the ATF price surge does not translate to passengers.
How much does ATF account for?
The ATF accounts for nearly 40 per cent of the airlines’ operating costs, which makes it a crucial factor in deciding ticket prices. The crude oil and jet fuel prices are already rising globally amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and Indian carriers have now begun imposing the fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights.
So far, Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air have announced the addition of surcharge which passengers have to pay while buying a ticket. The ATF is the actual price which is paid by the airlines for the fuel.
The ATF charges are decided by the oil companies, and airlines have no say in it, while the fuel surcharge is decided by the airlines. With no signs of the crisis easing, rising fuel costs are likely to continue impacting airlines.
