Airlines worldwide are increasing fuel surcharges as Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) prices surge due to the Iran–Israel conflict. The sharp rise in oil prices has pushed up airline operating costs, forcing carriers to adjust ticket prices.
Fuel is one of the largest expenses for airlines. When prices rise quickly, airlines usually increase fuel surcharges instead of sharply raising base fares. These extra charges are often added separately in the ticket price breakdown.
ATF Prices: Before vs Now
The Iran conflict has hit aviation like a freight train. Jet fuel, already one of the highest costs for any airline, has more than doubled in a matter of weeks.
- Before the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran (pre-February 28), jet fuel cost around $85-$90 per barrel.
- Prices now hover around $195 per barrel globally, more than doubling within weeks.
List of Airlines Increasing Fuel Surcharges in 2026 Due to Rising ATF Prices
Here is every airline that has moved on surcharges so far, listed with the specific increases and effective dates where available.
1. Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific introduced one of the steepest increases, saying jet fuel prices had nearly doubled. The airline plans to review surcharges every two weeks as fuel prices remain volatile.
Increase Date: 18 March 2026 and 1 April 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Short-haul increased from HK$142 to HK$290, later raised 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, later raised to HK$1,560
2. Air France–KLM
Air France and KLM increased fares on long-distance routes after kerosene prices rose sharply due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
- Increase Date: 11 March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Average increase of around US$57 on long-haul flights
3. Air India
Air India introduced a phased increase in fuel surcharges affecting both domestic and international routes, with higher surcharges applied to long-haul flights.
Increase Date: 12 March 2026 and 18 March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic routes increased by about US$4.30 per ticket
- Southeast Asia routes increased to US$40 to US$60
- Africa routes increased from US$60 to US$90
- Europe routes increased to about US$125
- North America and Australia routes increased to about US$200
4. Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand also reduced flight capacity, cancelling around 1,100 flights between 16 March and 3 May due to rising fuel costs.
Increase Date: March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic fares increased by NZ$10
- Short-haul increased by NZ$20
- Long-haul increased by NZ$90
5. Hong Kong Airlines
The biggest increases apply to routes connecting Hong Kong with destinations such as the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Increased by up to 35.2 per cent on selected routes
6. Greater Bay Airlines
The airline linked the increase directly to higher jet fuel prices caused by the Iran conflict. Routes to mainland China and Japan were not affected.
- Increase Date: 1 April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Increased on most international routes
7. AirAsia
AirAsia said prices may be revised depending on market conditions.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Temporary increase in ticket prices and fuel surcharges
8. Thai Airways
Thai Airways said higher fuel costs are pushing up fares across international routes.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Ticket prices expected to increase by 10 to 15 per cent
9. Qantas
Qantas confirmed airfare adjustments after fuel costs surged following the Middle East conflict.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Ticket prices increased depending on the route
10. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) also cancelled around 1,000 flights in April as fuel prices increased significantly.
- Increase Date: April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Temporary price adjustment applied to fares
11. Korean Air
Korean Air also reported jet fuel costs rising from about US$2.20 per gallon to nearly US$4.50 per gallon.
- Increase Date: April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Surcharges increased by more than 200 per cent on major international routes
12. IndiGo
IndiGo added an additional fuel surcharge of ₹425 to ₹2,300 on flight tickets on selected domestic and international routes from March 14 to offset higher fuel expenses.
- Increase Date: 14 March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Fuel surcharge introduced on Middle East and Europe routes
13. Akasa Air
Akasa Air will introduce a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international flights from March 15, 2026, ranging from ₹199 to ₹1,300 per sector.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Fuel surcharge between ₹199 and ₹1,300, depending on the route.
14. Spring Airlines
The airline said updated surcharge amounts will be announced closer to the effective date.
- Increase Date: 5 April 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Fuel surcharge increase planned on domestic routes
15. SunExpress
The surcharge applies to bookings made on or after 1 April for travel from 1 May onwards.
- Increase Date: 1 May 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: €10 surcharge per passenger on Turkey–Europe routes
16. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) increased fares across its network due to higher fuel costs.
Increase Date: March 2026
Fuel Surcharge Change:
- Domestic fares increased by about US$20
- International fares increased by up to US$100
17. Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia said fare changes reflect the impact of higher global fuel prices.
- Increase Date: March 2026
- Fuel Surcharge Change: Ticket prices adjusted due to fuel price pressure
Why Fuel Surcharges Are Rising
The Iran–Israel conflict has created uncertainty in global oil markets, pushing fuel prices higher. Airlines depend heavily on jet fuel, so sudden price increases directly affect operating costs. Fuel surcharges help airlines manage these costs without drastically increasing base ticket prices.
What Travellers Should Expect
- Slightly higher ticket prices, especially on long-haul routes.
- Possible further fare changes if fuel prices remain high.
- Fuel surcharges are shown separately during booking.
- Airlines may continue reviewing charges frequently.
Final Thoughts
Fuel surcharges are changing quickly as airlines respond to rising ATF prices and global tensions. While each increase may seem small, the total cost of travel can rise, especially for long-distance trips.
Travellers planning international journeys in 2026 should review fare breakdowns carefully and expect small pricing changes in the coming months.
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