In a Saturday announcement on X, Akasa detailed the impact: surcharges from ₹199 for short hops to ₹1,300 on longer routes, applicable to both domestic and international flights. New bookings post 00:01 hours on March 15 will bear the brunt, while prior tickets remain untouched.

Per-sector billing means the fee scales with journey length, a direct response to fuel’s outsized role in expenses. Recent Middle East flare-ups have sent ATF prices soaring, squeezing airline margins across the board.

Akasa assures passengers of unwavering focus on top-tier service and competitive pricing despite the escalation. Continuous oversight of market dynamics will guide future surcharge tweaks.

IndiGo led the charge yesterday, rolling out charges from ₹425 to ₹2,300 effective March 14. Air India duo imposed ₹399 on domestic legs from March 12.

This wave of surcharges underscores aviation’s vulnerability to global events. With fuel accounting for nearly half of operating costs, carriers have little choice but to adjust. Travelers planning trips should book early to dodge the increases and monitor updates.

As Akasa navigates these choppy waters, its strategy balances cost recovery with customer loyalty. The broader industry faces a test of resilience amid uncertain international relations.

In an official statement posted on X, the airline announced that the system has been restored to normal functionality. “The third-party system has been fully restored, and check-in at all airports is functioning normally. All our flights are operating as per schedule. We thank our passengers for their understanding,” the airline stated.

Earlier, Air India had acknowledged the disruption, informing passengers that their airport teams were working to mitigate the impact. While the restoration was progressive, some continued delays were anticipated until full stabilization. Passengers were advised to verify their flight status and arrive at the airport earlier than usual to accommodate potential residual disruptions.

The aircraft, registered as VT-EHH, had a long operational history. It first flew for Indian Airlines in 1982, was leased to Alliance Air in 1998, and later used for cargo operations by India Post after returning to the airline in 2007. By 2012, it was officially retired. However, instead of undergoing a proper decommissioning process, the jet was left idle in a secluded area of the airport and was subsequently omitted from Air India’s fixed-asset registers.

Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, confirmed the airline’s lapse in an internal communication, stating that they were unaware of the aircraft’s existence until alerted by Kolkata airport officials. This oversight meant the jet was not included in any depreciation schedules, insurance policies, maintenance plans, or financing documents. Consequently, it was entirely absent from the asset valuation during the Tata Group’s acquisition of Air India.

Remarkably, during its 13-year ‘hibernation,’ the aircraft remained equipped with its original Pratt & Whitney engines, unlike other retired Air India planes that had their engines stripped before sale. The airport eventually collected approximately 1 crore rupees in parking charges for the forgotten behemoth. This significant discovery is part of a larger effort, with this being the 14th abandoned aircraft removed from Kolkata Airport in the last five years. The plane has since been transported to Bengaluru to be repurposed as a valuable training tool for maintenance engineers, highlighting the critical need for robust asset management in complex organizations.

The jets made a notable public appearance during Azerbaijan’s Victory Day parade on November 8, 2025, with all Pakistani insignia conspicuously removed. Piloted by Azerbaijani airmen, their flypast signaled a complete transfer and operational readiness within Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities.

Pakistan has reportedly delivered the first contingent of three JF-17 Block III multirole fighters, including a dual-seat trainer, to phase out Azerbaijan’s older MiG-29 interceptors and trainers. The Azerbaijani presidency has officially announced the arrival of five JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters, comprising four single-seat and one twin-seat variant, now part of their air defense force.

This delivery underscores the deepening strategic partnership between Pakistan and Azerbaijan, a development highlighted by Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif during the parade. The aerial demonstration featured the jets flying in a tight formation over Baku.

The aircraft flew without national markings, indicating a transitional period before full operational deployment. This public display confirmed the transfer, making Azerbaijan the fourth nation to operate the JF-17, following Pakistan, Myanmar, and Nigeria.

Footage confirms these same aircraft participated in joint exercises with the Pakistan Air Force in October, bearing full Pakistani markings at the time. Ahead of the parade, these markings were removed, though serial numbers remained visible, verifying the exchange. For instance, aircraft serial number 24-322 was documented with Pakistani livery upon arrival and later in Azerbaijani colors during the parade.

The JF-17 Block III induction is part of a significant bilateral defense agreement. In February 2024, Azerbaijan signed a $1.6 billion contract for these aircraft, encompassing training and ordnance. A single Block III was showcased to Azerbaijani officials at the Azerbaijan International Defence Exhibition (ADEX) in September 2024. Further building on this, Pakistan announced a larger export deal in June 2025 for 40 JF-17 Block III jets worth $4.6 billion, marking Pakistan’s largest defense export to date.

The November parade showcased the initial batch, illustrating the swift execution of the defense pact. Subsequent deliveries are planned in phases, synchronized with pilot training and weapons integration to ensure full operational capability.

Developed jointly by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, the JF-17 Thunder is a versatile, single-engine, fourth-generation fighter designed to replace older aircraft. It boasts a top speed of Mach 1.8 and can carry up to 1,500 kg of ordnance. The Block III variant features advanced systems like AESA radar, a helmet-mounted sight, and a digital fly-by-wire system, capable of employing advanced air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions.

The JF-17 Block III offers a substantial upgrade to Azerbaijan’s air power, enhancing combat effectiveness with its advanced radar and missile capabilities. The twin-seat variant will be crucial for pilot training, ensuring a smooth transition and bolstering Azerbaijan’s regional deterrence posture.

The resumption of these flights is a powerful symbol of revitalized trade, enhanced tourism, and strengthened people-to-people connections between the two neighboring Asian giants. Daily non-stop services between Kolkata and Guangzhou are now operational. Furthermore, routes connecting Delhi to Guangzhou will commence on November 10, and services between Delhi and Shanghai are set to resume on November 9, further bolstering bilateral air links.

Officials have lauded the initiative. The Chinese Deputy Consul General in Kolkata described the day as “very important” for India-China relations, noting the resumption signifies a substantial improvement in bilateral ties after a prolonged suspension. This long-awaited development injects fresh momentum into both personal travel and commercial exchanges.

Passengers, airport staff, and airline representatives celebrated the historic departure. This flight’s return is viewed as a direct outcome of recent high-level discussions, fostering practical advancements in diplomatic and economic cooperation. There’s a clear emphasis on deepening collaboration across various global platforms, including BRICS and SCO, and in shared economic interests.

This recommencement is anticipated to significantly boost business opportunities, foster greater tourism, and improve overall connectivity. It reinforces Kolkata’s growing prominence as a key international aviation gateway, signaling not just a return to the skies but a tangible step towards rebuilding trust and enhancing cultural and economic ties between India and China.