As fuel prices soar amid conflicts in the Middle East, global airlines are hiking fuel surcharges. Below is a clear list of airlines raising their fares, including the amounts.
Around the globe, airlines are escalating fuel surcharges as the costs of Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) rise due to the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict. The dramatic spike in oil prices has led to increased operational costs for airlines, compelling them to raise ticket prices.
Fuel represents one of the largest expenditures for airlines. In response to rapid cost increases, carriers typically raise fuel surcharges rather than imposing significant hikes on base fares. These supplementary fees are often included separately in the ticket pricing breakdown.
ATF Prices: Then and Now
The impact of the Iran conflict on aviation has been substantial. Jet fuel, a major expense for airlines, has experienced a dramatic rise in price, doubling within weeks.
- Prior to the U.S.-Israel strikes in Iran (before February 28), the cost of jet fuel was approximately $85-$90 per barrel.
- Current global prices are around $195 per barrel, having more than doubled in a matter of weeks.
Airlines Raising Fuel Surcharges in 2026 Due to Rising ATF Costs
The following is a comprehensive list of airlines that have implemented surcharge increases, detailing specific amounts and effective dates where available.
1. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific has announced one of the largest surcharge hikes, attributing the increase to nearly doubled jet fuel prices. The airline will assess surcharges every two weeks as fuel costs fluctuate.
Increase Date: 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Short-haul increased from HK$142 to HK$290, with a subsequent increase to HK$389
- Medium-haul increased from HK$264 to HK$541, later raised to HK$725
- Long-haul increased from HK$569 to HK$1,164, subsequently increased to HK$1,560
2. Air France–KLM
Air France and KLM raised their fares on long-haul routes following a significant uptick in kerosene prices driven by geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
- Increase Date: 11 March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Average rise of approximately US$57 on long-distance flights
3. Air India
Air India has implemented a phased increment in fuel surcharges affecting both domestic and international flights, with elevated surcharges on long-haul services.
Increase Date: 12 March 2026 and 18 March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic routes saw an increase of about US$4.30 per ticket
- Southeast Asia routes increased between US$40 and US$60
- Africa routes experienced a hike from US$60 to US$90
- Europe routes increased to about US$125
- North America and Australia routes increased to around US$200
4. Air New Zealand
Due to escalating fuel costs, Air New Zealand also cut flight availability, cancelling roughly 1,100 journeys between 16 March and 3 May.
Increase Date: March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic fares rose by NZ$10
- Short-haul increased by NZ$20
- Long-haul increased by NZ$90
5. Hong Kong Airlines
The most significant increases pertain to routes linking Hong Kong with locations such as the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: An increase of up to 35.2 percent on selected routes
6. Greater Bay Airlines
The airline attributed the rise to heightened jet fuel prices brought on by the conflict in Iran. Routes to mainland China and Japan remained unaffected.
- Increase Date: 1 April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Increased on most international routes
7. AirAsia
AirAsia indicated that prices might be adjusted based on market dynamics.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Temporary rise in ticket prices and fuel surcharges
8. Thai Airways
Thai Airways announced that rising fuel expenses are increasing fares across their international services.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Anticipated ticket prices increase between 10 and 15 percent
9. Qantas
Qantas acknowledged that airfare modifications were required in light of soaring fuel costs after the onset of the Middle East conflict.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Fare adjustments based on flight routes
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) also cancelled approximately 1,000 flights in April due to significant increases in fuel costs.
- Increase Date: April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Temporary fare adjustments implemented
11. Korean Air
Korean Air reported that the price of jet fuel rose from roughly US$2.20 per gallon to almost US$4.50 per gallon.
- Increase Date: April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Surcharges increased by over 200 percent on major international routes
12. IndiGo
IndiGo imposed an additional fuel surcharge of ₹425 to ₹2,300 on select domestic and international routes starting from March 14 to accommodate rising fuel costs.
- Increase Date: 14 March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: New surcharge applied to Middle East and Europe routes
13. Akasa Air
Beginning March 15, 2026, Akasa Air is set to implement a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international flights, ranging from ₹199 to ₹1,300 per segment.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Fuel surcharge will vary between ₹199 and ₹1,300, based on the route.
14. Spring Airlines
The airline stated that updated surcharge figures will be revealed closer to the implementation date.
- Increase Date: 5 April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Planned increase in surcharges on domestic routes
15. SunExpress
The surcharge will apply to reservations made on or after April 1 for journeys commencing May 1 and later.
- Increase Date: 1 May 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: A €10 surcharge per passenger on Turkey–Europe routes
16. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) made adjustments to their fares across the board in response to higher fuel prices.
Increase Date: March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic fare increases by approximately US$20
- International fares increased by as much as US$100
17. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia stated that changes in fare reflect the consequences of rising global fuel prices.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Adjustments in ticket prices prompted by increased fuel costs
Reasons for Increasing Fuel Surcharges
The ongoing Iran–Israel conflict has introduced volatility in global oil markets, contributing to rising fuel prices. Airlines heavily rely on jet fuel, hence abrupt price hikes significantly impact their operational expenses. Fuel surcharges allow airlines to mitigate these costs without substantially elevating base ticket prices.
What Passengers Should Anticipate
- A modest increase in ticket prices, particularly on long-distance routes.
- Potential further fare adjustments if fuel prices maintain high levels.
- Fuel surcharges will be displayed individually at the time of booking.
- Airlines may continue to review their charges frequently.
Concluding Remarks
Fuel surcharges are being modified rapidly as airlines react to the increase in ATF costs and global tensions. Although each surge may appear minor, the cumulative expense of travel can increase, especially for long-haul journeys.
Travelers planning international trips in 2026 should carefully examine fare breakdowns and expect slight pricing fluctuations in the upcoming months.
Fonte: Travelo Biz
