IndiGo Raises Ancillary Service Fees, Infant Travel Charge Up to Rs 3,000

IndiGo, the country's largest airline by domestic market share, has increased charges for several ancillary services, including infant travel, unaccompanied minors and excess baggage, according to sources.

The airline has raised the fee for infants travelling on domestic flights to Rs 3,000 from Rs 2,200, the sources said. Charges for infant travel on international routes vary depending on the destination.

Children aged above three days and below two years are classified as infants under IndiGo's rules.

According to the airline's website, the charge for its unaccompanied minor service is currently Rs 5,999 for domestic flights and Rs 12,999 for international flights. Details of the earlier rates for this service could not be immediately ascertained.

The airline's website also lists a Rs 650 charge for fast-forward services and Rs 300 for a travel certificate.

Sources said charges for some ancillary services have been revised upwards in recent weeks amid rising operational costs, particularly higher fuel prices. IndiGo has not issued any comment on the reported revision in charges.

Ancillary services provide airlines with additional revenue beyond base ticket fares and include services such as baggage, seat selection, priority handling and other passenger facilities.

The revisions come as airlines continue to contend with fluctuations in fuel prices and other operating expenses. Fuel is among the key costs for carriers and changes in aviation turbine fuel prices can have a direct impact on their operating expenditure.

IndiGo remains the dominant player in India's domestic aviation market. Its domestic market share stood at 67.4 per cent in July, according to official data.

The airline operates an extensive domestic and international network and has continued expanding its fleet and connectivity amid growing demand for air travel.

The latest changes mean passengers opting for certain additional services may have to pay more, increasing the overall cost of travel beyond the basic airfare.