Multiple Airlines Begin Raising Fuel Surcharges, Domestic Carriers May Adjust Next Month on the 5th

Due to the Middle East situation, the global fuel market is experiencing fluctuations. Many airlines are beginning to increase fuel surcharges, which may further raise travel costs. According to industry insiders, domestic airlines in China adjust their fuel surcharges monthly (on the 5th of each month; the next adjustment window is April 5th). Currently, the surcharge remains at 10 yuan for routes under 800 kilometers and 20 yuan for routes over 800 kilometers. However, these may also be affected by significant international oil price fluctuations, leading to potential adjustments.

Recently, Hong Kong Airlines announced that starting March 12, 2026, it will adjust its fuel surcharges on tickets. The surcharge will be levied per segment and will affect both short- and long-haul routes: short-haul routes (flights to Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.) will increase from HKD 162 to HKD 212, a 31% rise; long-haul routes (flights to North America, Europe, Middle East, etc.) will increase from HKD 589 to HKD 739, a 25% rise. The fuel surcharge for flights from Hong Kong to mainland China will increase from HKD 185 to HKD 190, and flights from mainland China to Hong Kong will go from HKD 145 to HKD 150.

According to reports, Qantas stated that due to the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices caused by the Middle East conflict, the airline will raise international route ticket prices this week and is exploring increasing capacity on existing European routes in the coming months. Air New Zealand announced that before regional tensions escalated, aviation fuel prices were about $85 to $90 per barrel, but recently surged to between $150 and $200. The global aviation fuel market has experienced unprecedented volatility, prompting the airline to raise ticket prices.

Several Asian airlines are also taking action. Reports show that Thai Airways will increase fares by 10% to 15% to cover the rapidly rising fuel costs. Indian carriers have raised long-haul route fares by 15% and are considering further price hikes. Vietnamese state media warned that, given the country’s heavy reliance on imported aviation fuel, Vietnam Airlines may face a fuel shortage risk starting early April, with ticket prices potentially rising by up to 70%.

Currently, fuel costs generally account for over 30% of airline operating expenses. The Middle East is a major global oil producer. If the situation escalates and triggers a chain reaction in the global energy supply chain, airline operating costs will increase further. Industry analysts believe that compared to European and American airlines, Asian carriers are less capable of managing high fuel prices and are more vulnerable to sudden spikes in aviation fuel costs. This has prompted low-cost airlines in Southeast Asia to develop various contingency plans to cope with excessively high fuel prices or supply shortages.

Meanwhile, affected by regional tensions, on March 10, several Chinese airlines updated their special policies for tickets involving flights to and from the Middle East. The free change and refund policy for flights to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and other Middle Eastern destinations has been extended from March 15, 2026, to May 31, 2026 (inclusive).

According to Flight Manager, due to international developments, the number of flights between China and the Middle East has continued to decline since late February. On March 3, flight cancellations peaked. Although recent cancellations have decreased, the cancellation rate remains above 50%, reaching 56.1% on March 10.

(Image source: Flight Manager)

Reporting: N Video Reporter Fu Xiaoling