Yes, GST applies to flight tickets in India, with rates split by cabin class as of late 2025: 5% GST for economy class (with limited input tax credit) and 18% GST for business/first-class tickets. These rates are applied to domestic travel and the domestic leg of international flights.
In India, the GST (Goods and Services Tax) on flight tickets varies based on the class of travel. For economy class tickets, the GST rate is 5%, while for business class tickets, it is 12%. These rates apply to both domestic and international flights.
For all transborder flights for Canadian citizens and for transportation commencing in Canada, GST is applied to base fare, Nav and Surcharges, and ATSC charges. For all Canadian domestic flights excluding Quebec, HST applies to base fare, Nav and Surcharges, AIF, and ATSC charges.
Air Travel New GST Reforms
The reforms also impact air travel, making domestic flights more affordable for the majority of travelers: Economy-class domestic flights will continue to attract a 5% GST. Business and premium domestic flights will now have an 18% GST, up from the previous 12% for some categories.
What is the GST for tours and travels in India? 5% GST applies on tour packages without ITC. If services are itemized, rates vary from 5% to 18%.
GST applies to domestic air travel, other than where: a domestic flight forms part of a ticket for international travel or is cross-referenced to an international ticket and is purchased at any time up to and including the date of international travel, or.
AIR TRAVEL
Here are the charges you will see on your ticket, and their explanations: Base Fare - our ticket price plus U.S. excise and departure/arrival taxes when they apply. Taxes and carrier-imposed Fees - airport charges, government taxes and fees, and carrier-imposed surcharges.
Can I claim GST on flight tickets for personal travel? No, GST cannot be claimed for booking tickets for personal travel. Input Tax Credit (ITC) is given only for flight tickets booked under the company GSTIN with correct invoicing for business purposes.
Tickets up to Rs. 100 attract 5% GST, while those above Rs. 100 attract 18%. Convenience fees charged by ticketing platforms are subject to GST as a separate component.
GST/HST/QST: Where applicable, these taxes are collected on flights and services provided in Canada. Generally, where the travel originates in the United States or the journey includes an international origin or destination, these taxes do not apply.
The Australian Government's Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows international travellers to claim a refund on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Wine Equalisation Tax (WET). The government pays this on eligible purchases you make in Australia and take offshore when you meet certain conditions.
To avoid these extra costs, consider booking directly through the airline's official website or contacting customer service for assistance. But there is good news: Airline Loyalty Programs can help offset some of the hidden taxes and fees. Earning and redeeming miles can lead to discounted fees or even free flights.
For all transborder flights for Canadian citizens and for transportation commencing in Canada, GST is applied to base fare, Nav and Surcharges, and ATSC charges. For all Canadian domestic flights excluding Quebec, HST applies to base fare, Nav and Surcharges, AIF, and ATSC charges.
How to save money on your airfare. Book in advance: Flight tickets tend to be cheaper when bought well ahead of time. Fly to a different airport: Flights to certain airports tend to cost less than others. For instance, fares to airports slightly further away from the city center are often cheaper.
India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) system has entered a new era with the rollout of GST 2.0, effective from September 22, 2025. The Council has simplified the structure into a 5% slab for essentials, 18% for standard goods, and 40% for luxury/sin items, replacing the earlier complex categories.
Uniform 5% GST on drones introduced, supporting startups and the Make in India initiative. Daily food items like UHT milk, roti, paratha, paneer, and packaged snacks brought under 5% or Nil GST, easing household expenses.
For any standard-rated supplies of goods or services that you make on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must charge GST at 9%. For instance, if you issue an invoice and receive payments for your supply on or after 1 Jan 2024, you must account for GST at 9%.
List of exempted goods under GST in India:
GST on flight tickets is either 5% for economy class or 12% for business class, applicable to both domestic and international flights.
The GST rate on flight tickets depends on the travel class: 5% for economy class and 18% for business or premium class, applicable to both domestic and international travel.
If your ticket price includes government taxes, they will be displayed in the price breakdown at the time you make your booking. You can apply for a refund of Government Tax within one month of the date of departure of your flight if you did not travel. You can apply for a Government Tax refund here.
Additional mandatory government fees quickly add to the cost:
These are some of the tax-avoiding options: