Airline Fuel Surcharges to Jump in April on Middle East Risks, Biggest Rise in a Decade

Geopolitical risks tied to the Middle East are set to sharply raise fuel surcharges on international airline tickets issued in April.
 
According to the aviation industry on the 16th, the Singapore jet fuel average price (MOPS) for Feb. 16 to March 15—the benchmark for April surcharges—corresponds to level 18 out of 33. That is a jump of 12 levels from level 6 applied this month, the biggest increase since the current surcharge system was introduced in 2016.
 
It is also the highest level since October 2022 (level 17), when the Russia-Ukraine war was at its peak, marking the highest in three years and six months.
 
Domestic airlines plan to raise April fuel surcharges by as much as more than threefold. Asiana Airlines charged 14,600 won to 78,600 won per one-way ticket this month, but will apply 43,900 won to 251,900 won next month. The shortest routes—including Fukuoka, Yantai, Kumamoto and Qingdao—will be charged 43,900 won, while the longest routes—including Los Angeles, New York, Paris and London—will carry a 251,900 won surcharge.
 
Korean Air is also set to announce its April fuel surcharge later on the 16th. The increase is expected to exceed 100,000 won on the longest routes compared with this month’s 13,500 won to 99,000 won range.
 
International oil prices have climbed sharply since the Middle East situation that began late last month, while the won-dollar exchange rate has remained elevated, topping 1,500 won intraday. Fuel surcharges are added to fares to offset airline losses from higher oil prices. Under the Transport Ministry’s distance-based system, each carrier sets monthly charges after making its own adjustments.