Which airlines have increased ticket prices after additional fuel surcharges amid global oil volatility?

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• Airlines hike fares and fuel surcharges due to rising oil prices
• Middle East flight cancellations and rerouting increase costs
• Several carriers warn of further price hikes if fuel stays high

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Airlines across Asia and Europe are increasing ticket prices and introducing additional fuel surcharges as volatility in global oil markets, linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, pushes up aviation fuel costs.

At the same time, airlines are adjusting their flight operations as security concerns in the Middle East force many carriers to avoid certain air corridors. The rerouting of flights onto longer paths has increased operational expenses and contributed to higher fares for passengers.

According to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 43,000 flights to and from the Middle East were cancelled between February 28 and March 10, reported Bloomberg.

Several carriers have already announced measures to manage the rising costs.

Low cost airline AirAsia said it has revised ticket prices and updated its fuel surcharge levels, although it did not disclose the exact increase. The airline said it would continue to review market conditions and make further adjustments if necessary.

India’s Air India and Air India Express will begin charging a fuel surcharge on both domestic and international routes from March 12. Passengers travelling on domestic and short-haul regional flights will pay an additional ₹399. For Southeast Asia routes, the surcharge will increase to $60 from $40, while flights to Africa will see charges rise to $90. From March 18, the surcharge for Europe-bound flights will be raised to $125, and passengers flying to North America and Australia will pay $200.

National carrier Air New Zealand has also said fares will increase. The airline warned that further changes to ticket prices, flight schedules and routes may follow if fuel prices continue to remain high. It has also suspended its earnings forecast, stating that earlier assumptions about fuel prices are no longer reliable.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific plans to double passenger fuel surcharges beginning March 18. On long haul flights, the charge will rise to HK$1,164 from HK$569, with similar increases expected on short and medium haul routes, the report said.

Meanwhile, Finnair has cancelled all flights to Doha and Dubai until the end of March. The airline said fluctuations in fuel costs will be reflected directly in ticket prices instead of a separate surcharge.

Budget carrier SpiceJet has warned that airlines may have no choice but to introduce additional fuel surcharges if oil prices remain elevated. Its founder, Ajay Singh, urged the government to consider lowering taxes on aviation turbine fuel, noting that oil prices around $90 per barrel could become difficult for airlines to sustain.

Japan Airlines said it currently has no plans to bring forward its scheduled fuel surcharge revision before April 1.

Other carriers that have announced fare increases or temporary adjustments linked to fuel costs include Hong Kong Airlines, Qantas, Thai Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Norse Atlantic Airways, the report added.