Air travel has become an essential part of modern life, whether for business, tourism or family visits. However, when you book a flight, you might have noticed that the ticket price includes various other charges as well, such as base fare, convenience fee and various other taxes. One of the most significant and notable components among all of these taxes is the Goods and Services Tax, which is referred to as GST. Understanding how GST applies to flight tickets, both domestic and international, helps travellers and businesses manage costs more effectively.
This blog provides a complete breakdown of GST on flight tickets, covering rates, applicability, exemptions, and input tax credit in India.
Overview of GST on Air Travel
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was introduced in India on 1st July 2017, replacing the various indirect taxes like service tax and VAT. Under the GST regime, the aviation industry, both passenger and cargo, falls under the service sector and is taxed as per that.
Airlines charge GST on the passenger transport service, and the rate depends on:
- The type of flight (domestic or international),
- The class of travel (economy or business), and
- The destination (within India or outside India).
The GST collected is then deposited with the government and can be claimed as Input Tax Credit (ITC) by eligible businesses.
GST Rates on Domestic Flight Tickets
When you book a flight within India, the GST is charged based on the travel class. The government has kept the rate for economy class lower to promote affordable air travel.
| Travel Class | GST Rate | Remarks |
| Economy Class | 5% (without ITC) | Airlines cannot claim ITC on input services or goods. |
| Business Class | 12% (with ITC) | Airlines can avail ITC on inputs. |
| Chartered Flights (Non-scheduled) | 18% | Applicable to private or chartered aircraft services. |
GST on International Flight Tickets
International air travel operates differently under GST because the destination lies outside the taxable territory of India. However, GST still applies to certain parts of the ticket fare depending on where the journey starts and ends.
| Type of Flight | GST Applicability | Rate |
| Flights originating from India to a destination outside India | GST Exempted | 0% (Export of services) |
| Flights originating outside India and ending in India | Not taxable under Indian GST | – |
| Passenger travel from India to Nepal or Bhutan (paid in INR) | GST @ 5% | As per the government notification |
So, for international flights originating from India, the service is treated as an export of service, which is zero-rated under GST. This means no GST is charged to the customer, and airlines can claim refunds of input tax credit for the services and goods used.
GST on Ancillary Services
Apart from the base airfare, airlines often charge for additional services such as:
- Baggage charges
- Seat selection fee
- Onboard meals
- Rescheduling or cancellation charges
These services are also taxable under GST. The same GST rate as the ticket class applies to these add-ons.
| Service Type | GST Rate (Economy) | GST Rate (Business) |
| Excess baggage | 5% | 12% |
| Seat selection | 5% | 12% |
| Cancellation or rescheduling fee | 5% | 12% |
| Onboard meals (pre-booked) | 5% | 12% |
GST on Corporate or Business Travel
Businesses usually book the air tickets for the employees for the purpose of meetings, training or client visits. When a business class ticket is purchased for such travel, the company can claim the Input Tax Credit (ITC) on the GST paid, since it’s considered a business expense.
However:
- ITC cannot be claimed on economy class tickets, as airlines themselves are not allowed to avail ITC on inputs for such services.
- ITC can be claimed only if the invoice is issued in the company’s name and contains a valid GSTIN.
This distinction makes it important for businesses to carefully choose travel classes depending on cost and credit benefits.
Input Tax Credit (ITC) Rules for Airlines
Airlines incur expenses such as fuel, maintenance, airport charges, and staff costs. Under GST:
- For economy class, the airline cannot claim ITC.
- For business class, the airline can claim ITC on inputs and input services used.
This structure ensures affordability for general passengers while maintaining fairness for business travel operations.
GST Implications for Online Travel Agencies (OTAs)
Online travel portals such as MakeMyTrip, Yatra or Goibibo also play a crucial role in GST compliance. They act as the intermediaries between passengers and the airlines.
- GST is levied on their service/commission charges.
- The OTA must issue a GST-compliant invoice showing their GSTIN.
- The airline separately charges GST on the ticket fare…!
Example:
If you book a ₹5,000 flight via an OTA that charges ₹200 as a convenience fee, GST @ 18% will apply only to ₹200 (₹36). Hence, your total payable will include both airline GST and OTA GST.
Exemptions under GST for Air Travel
Certain flights and passengers are exempted from GST under government notifications:
- Flights to and from North-Eastern states and Bagdogra are exempt from GST (economy class only).
- International flight tickets (export of service) are zero-rated.
- Helicopter services for government or emergency operations may also be exempt.
These exemptions promote regional air connectivity and reduce travel costs for specific regions.
Invoice Requirements
When booking a flight, ensure the airline or travel agent provides a GST-compliant invoice containing:
- Supplier name and GSTIN (Airline/OTA)
- Passenger name
- Travel details
- GST rate and amount
- Total fare
- Place of supply
Businesses must retain this invoice to claim Input Tax Credit.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Domestic Flights | International Flights |
| Economy Class | 5% (No ITC) | Exempt |
| Business Class | 12% (ITC available) | Exempt / 0% (Export of service) |
| Ancillary Charges | 5% or 12% (same as ticket class) | Exempt |
| Corporate ITC | Only for Business Class | Not applicable |
| OTA Charges | 18% GST | 18% GST (on service fee) |
Conclusion
Understanding the GST on flight tickets helps both individual travellers and businesses make smarter financial decisions.
- For domestic travel, the GST rate ranges from 5% to 12% depending on the class of travel.
- For the international flights, GST is generally exempt as the service qualifies as an export.
- Ancillary charges and OTA service fees attract GST separately.
Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, knowing how GST is applied ensures transparency in your travel expenses and compliance with tax norms.
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