Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info
Ten airlines have confirmed they are increasing their charges to deal with soaring jet fuel costs.
Israeli and US strikes on Iran, and the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, have sent global oil prices skyrocketing.
The International Air Transport Association has recorded a doubling of jet fuel prices compared to this time last year. The impact of such rises on airlines is significant, with jet fuel typically accounting for 20 to 30% of an airline’s outgoings, according to Open Airlines.
In response to the conflict, numerous airlines have scrapped flights in an attempt to limit their losses, while others have opted to increase various charges. Below is a list of ten of the biggest airlines that have taken this approach.
Ten airlines that have raised fees
Japan Airlines
One of Asia’s biggest carriers, Japan Airlines has nearly doubled its fuel surcharge on new tickets, according to The Independent. This means a London-Tokyo ticket now carries an extra fee of 56,000 yen (£260) each way. The airline has attributed the rise to “fuel market prices reaching levels that far exceed initial expectations.”
China Eastern Airlines
The airline raised fuel surcharges for domestic flights from April 5, with flights of 800 km and below hit with a 60 yuan (£8.80) surcharge, as well as a 120 yuan surcharge for flights over 800 km.
Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong airline has substantially increased its fuel surcharges, though the rises differ depending on the route. A full breakdown of the changes is available on its website. “Fuel accounted for approximately 30% of Cathay Pacific’s total operating costs in 2025 and is critical to our operations,” the airline noted in a statement.
Alaska Airlines
The US carrier has hiked fees for the first checked bag by $5 (£3.70) and by $10 for the second on North American flights, while also raising the price for a third checked bag from $50 to $200.
American Airlines
One of the world’s largest airlines, American’s move to increase checked bag fees by $10 (£7.40) each for the first and second checked bags and by $150 for the third checked bag on all domestic and short-haul international flights is set to affect a vast number of travellers.
Delta Airlines
Fellow aviation giant Delta is also set to introduce higher checked baggage fees, with a $10 (£7.40) rise on first and second checked bags and a $50 increase on the third.
Hong Kong Airlines
Fuel surcharges have been bumped up by up to 35% as of March 12.
IndiGo
India’s largest carrier introduced fuel charges on both domestic and international flights on March 14, including a charge of 900 rupees (£7) for flights to the Middle East and 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.
JetBlue
The American airline is also pushing up its baggage fees, with prices set to rise by either $4 (£3) or $9.
Pakistan International Airlines
The airline is set to increase domestic flight fares, while international fares will rise by between £15 and £75.
