Ten major airlines slap on extra fees as jet fuel shortage worsens
Ten airlines have announced they are raising fees and airline fuel surcharges to cope with soaring jet fuel prices driven by the oil crisis impact on airlines worldwide
Ten airlines have announced they are increasing their charges in response to soaring jet fuel prices.
Israeli and US strikes on Iran, coupled with the subsequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, have sent the cost of oil surging across global markets.
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. Jet fuel typically accounts for 20 to 30% of an airline's outgoings, according to Open Airlines.
In the wake of the conflict, numerous airlines have cancelled flights in an effort 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 largest carriers, Japan has nearly doubled its fuel surcharge on new tickets, according to The Independent. This means a London–Tokyo ticket now carries an additional charge 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 increased fuel surcharges on domestic flights from April 5, with routes of 800 km and below subject to a 60 yuan (£8.80) surcharge, while flights exceeding 800 km face a 120 yuan surcharge.
Cathay Pacific
The Hong Kong carrier has increased its fuel surcharges substantially, though by varying amounts across its different routes. The complete list of increases 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 stated.
Alaska Airlines
Charges will rise for the first checked bag by $5 (£3.70) and by $10 for the second on the US carrier's North American services. It has also increased prices for a third checked bag from $50 to $200.
American Airlines
As one of the world's largest airlines, American's decision to increase checked bag charges 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 services will affect a vast number of passengers.
Delta
Another major international carrier, Delta is set to increase charges for checked bags. It will raise fees by $10 (£7.40) on first and second checked bags and a $50 rise on the third.
Hong Kong Airlines
Fuel surcharges have been pushed up by as much as 35% from March 12.
IndiGo
India's largest airline introduced fuel charges on domestic and international services on March 14. These included a levy of 900 rupees (£7) for flights to the Middle East and a charge of 2,300 rupees for flights to Europe.
JetBlue
Another US carrier that is increasing charges on its baggage. Baggage costs will rise by either $4 (£3) or $9.
Pakistan International Airlines
Domestic flight fares are to be raised by between £15 and £75 on international fares.
