First Air India, now IndiGo, and more: Airlines hike fares as West Asia war sets oil prices on fire

Airlines in India are facing significant financial pressure due to a sharp increase in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices, which have surged in the wake of escalating tensions in West Asia. Following Air India's recent fare hikes, IndiGo and other carriers are now adjusting their ticket prices to offset higher operational costs. ATF constitutes about 40% of an airline's total expenses, and the recent spike in global oil prices is forcing airlines to reconsider their pricing strategies to maintain profitability. Experts believe that if the conflict in West Asia continues, these fare increases could become a trend across the aviation sector, impacting travel affordability for consumers. The situation highlights the vulnerability of the airline industry to geopolitical events and fluctuating fuel prices, which can have immediate repercussions on travel costs and airline operations in India.