Airlines Discuss Maximum 9-13% Increase in Airfare Prices, 38% Fuel Surcharge
National airlines, grouped under the Indonesia National Air Carriers Association (INACA), have responded to the government’s latest policy on the surge in aviation fuel prices following threats of a global oil crisis due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The policy is seen as an important step to ensure the continuity of operations in the aviation industry, which is facing cost pressures.
As reported on Pertamina’s official website, the official aviation fuel price has increased at every domestic operating airport, applicable to both domestic and international flights, effective from 1 April 2026. At Soekarno-Hatta Airport (CGK), the aviation fuel price for domestic flights from 1-30 April 2026 is set at Rp23,551.08 per litre. From 1-31 March 2026, it was still Rp13,656.51 per litre.
Yesterday, Monday (6 April 2026), Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto announced a 38% increase in fuel surcharges for jet and propeller aircraft, along with setting a maximum airfare increase of 9-13%.
INACA Chairman Denon Prawiraatmadja views the government’s step as a non-trivial response amid escalating global pressures.
“We appreciate this government policy, as it is indeed not easy to address the very high increase in aviation fuel prices due to the Middle East geopolitical crisis,” said Denon in his statement, quoted on Tuesday (7 April 2026).
He assessed that the policy taken by the government has considered a balance between the interests of airlines and the public as aviation service users.
“We see this policy as aligned with the needs of airlines and the public, and there is government support through the temporary elimination of 11% VAT and the reduction of import duties on spare parts to 0%,” Denon continued.
INACA hopes that the implementation of this policy can proceed quickly in the field. According to Denon, the speed of execution is key so that the positive impacts of the policy can be felt soon by airlines, especially in maintaining safe and comfortable flight operations amid rising cost pressures.
“We hope this policy can be implemented in the field as soon as possible to help airline operations in maintaining flight safety and comfort, as well as assisting the public and government in preserving air transport connectivity,” Denon concluded.
The government’s step is one of the short-term efforts to mitigate the impact of external volatility on the aviation sector, which heavily depends on global energy price stability.
Effective for 2 months
Previously, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto announced several relaxations for airlines, from fuel surcharge adjustments to fiscal incentives, including the fuel surcharge increase.
In addition, the government is covering 11% VAT and eliminating import duties on spare parts to 0%. This policy will apply for two months, while discussions on upper limits for airfare tariffs are postponed.
“To keep domestic airfare increases affordable for the public, the government is capping the price rise in the 9%-13% range,” he added.