Japan airlines raises fuel surcharges as kerosene costs surge

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Inc and Japan Airlines (JAL) Co are set to sharply increase fuel surcharges on international flights starting in June, as jet fuel costs climb amid tensions in the Middle East, a source familiar with the matter said.

The planned increases are expected to coincide with the peak summer travel season, raising concerns about a potential dampening effect on passenger demand, Caliber.Az reports via Japanese media.

Fuel surcharges, which are added separately to base fares to reflect fluctuations in fuel prices, for routes to Europe and North America in June and July are projected to reach 55,000 yen ($346.70) for ANA—an increase of 23,100 yen ($145.61) from April and May levels. JAL is also expected to raise its surcharge by 21,000 yen ($132.37), bringing it to 50,000 yen ($315.18), according to the source.

On routes to China and Taiwan, ANA’s surcharge is likely to rise by 4,900 yen (around $30.89) to 14,300 yen ($90.14), while JAL’s is expected to increase by 5,000 yen ($31.52) to 12,400 yen ($78.16). For flights to South Korea and Russia, surcharges are projected to climb by 3,200 yen ($20.17) to 6,500 yen ($40.97) for ANA and by 2,900 yen ($18.28) to 5,900 yen ($37.19) for JAL—both reaching their highest levels under the current pricing framework.

Aviation kerosene, derived from crude oil refining, saw its price more than double on the Singapore market in March compared to levels before the conflict that began in late February.

Fuel surcharges are determined based on the average kerosene price over a two-month period, with February and March prices reflected in the June–July surcharge calculations.

While domestic flights are currently exempt from such surcharges, JAL is reportedly considering introducing the system for domestic routes starting in spring 2027, as part of efforts to manage sustained increases in crude oil costs.

By Jeyhun Aghazada