Airlines Ramp Up Plane Ticket Prices, Here's the List
Global geopolitical turmoil is pressuring the aviation industry with a sharp spike in aircraft fuel prices. As a result, international airlines are beginning to raise ticket prices and even cut flight schedules.
This surge is triggered by the rise in global oil prices linked to conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the average global jet fuel price jumped to US$197 per barrel in the week ending 20 March.
This figure has risen sharply from US$157.41 two weeks prior, and is nearly double the US$95.95 recorded on 20 February. Meanwhile, the global benchmark crude oil price, Brent, briefly touched US$119 per barrel, approaching the highest level since the conflict began.
Airlines Ramp Up Ticket Prices
Several airlines are starting to implement fare increases, though the amounts vary depending on routes and individual policies. Cathay Pacific has announced a ticket price hike through the application of a fuel surcharge for purchases starting 1 April.
“The ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East continues to have a significant impact on jet fuel prices, placing considerable pressure on airlines worldwide,” the airline stated, as quoted by Newsweek on Sunday (12/4/2026).
This policy applies to several long-haul routes, including flights from Hong Kong to North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
The New Zealand-based airline Air New Zealand is also raising fares by +NZ$10 for domestic routes, +NZ$20 for short-haul routes, and +NZ$90 for long-haul flights.
Meanwhile, Air France-KLM is imposing an additional fee of 50 euros per round-trip journey for long-haul routes. From Australia, Qantas has confirmed fare increases on its international flight network.
Thailand’s Thai Airways is even raising ticket prices by 10% to 15% to cover the surge in fuel costs, amid rising demand for travel to Europe.
On the other hand, the low-cost carrier AirAsia acknowledges that fare increases are unavoidable. However, CEO Tony Fernandes stated that the company will strive to keep prices competitive.
“We will not cancel flights because demand is strong. We are doing our best to keep ticket prices as low as possible, but we need support from other parts of the aviation ecosystem,” Fernandes said.
“Ticket prices must rise; there’s no other way, but our ticket prices will rise far less than others,” he added.