Aviation Fuel Costs Surge Sharply as Airlines Worldwide Begin Raising Ticket Prices
JAKARTA — The sharp rise in aviation fuel prices resulting from geopolitical conflict in the Middle East is beginning to trigger major adjustments across the global aviation industry.
Airlines across various regions are raising ticket fares, implementing additional fuel surcharges, and altering flight routes to anticipate operational disruptions and rising cost pressures.
This situation is occurring amid global energy supply uncertainty and changes to international flight paths, which have increased fuel consumption and reduced seat capacity on a number of routes.
According to Al Jazeera, quoted on Thursday (12 March 2026), jet fuel prices have surged from the range of $85 to $90 per barrel to approximately $150 to $200 per barrel in a short timeframe following the escalation of the conflict.
This surge has forced global airlines to adjust their fares. Reuters reported that airlines such as Qantas, SAS, and Air New Zealand have begun raising ticket prices to offset the pressure of increased fuel costs.
In addition, disruptions to flight paths in the Middle East are forcing airlines to take longer alternative routes.
Fare adjustments are becoming visible across various regions. Channel News Asia reported that several airlines are adding fuel surcharges or raising aircraft ticket prices to cover increased aviation fuel costs.
In Southeast Asia, Thai Airways announced plans to raise fares by approximately 10 to 15 per cent.
Thai Airways Chief Financial Officer Cherdchom Therdthirasak stated that this move is necessary because the surge in fuel prices has significantly increased operational costs.
According to Therdthirasak, the airline is dealing with “extraordinary” demand from customers who are redirecting their travel plans from the Middle East to Europe.
Most Thai Airways flights to Europe this month have reached approximately 90 per cent seat capacity, said Cherdchom in an investor video conference, quoted from the Bangkok Post.
Thai Airways has room to implement further fuel surcharge increases if oil prices continue to rise, he said.
“Passengers who are planning to travel should secure their tickets as soon as possible before prices increase further. Over the next two weeks, tickets will be highly limited across all European routes and other destinations,” Therdthirasak stated.
Reuters also noted that Hong Kong Airlines plans to increase fuel surcharges by more than 30 per cent on certain international routes.
These fare increases are occurring amid a surge in travel demand on alternative routes, as transit is redirected from the Gulf region affected by the conflict.
The closure of airspace in several Middle Eastern countries is causing airlines to alter their international flight routes. These route changes extend flight times and increase fuel consumption.