A global body of travel agents has called for transparency in airline fuel surcharges and prompt refunds upon cancellation of tickets.

“At a time of global uncertainty, travellers need clarity and confidence when they book. Travel advisors are often the ones explaining complex charges and assisting clients when plans are disrupted,” said Otto de Vries, Executive Director of the World Travel Agents Associations Alliance (WTAAA).

“While the WTAAA position is not opposed to legitimate cost recovery where required to support airline operations in a volatile geopolitical and fuel environment, greater transparency on airline-imposed surcharges would help strengthen consumer trust across the value chain,” he said.

Airlines, including those in India, have introduced or hiked fuel surcharges last month to recover the higher cost of fuel.

The alliance has demanded clear and consistent disclosure of airline-imposed surcharges, full incorporation of airline-imposed surcharges into base fares to eliminate fragmented pricing, fair and prompt refund of those charges when flights are cancelled, and reasonable notice of surcharge changes so intermediaries and consumers are not blindsided.

Published on April 24, 2026