Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are planning to significantly raise fuel surcharges on their international flights starting in June. This decision is in response to the escalating oil prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. ANA is set to increase its surcharges to 55,000 yen for flights to Europe and North America, up by 23,100 yen from the previous months, while JAL is expected to raise its surcharge to 50,000 yen, a 21,000 yen increase.
On flights to China, ANA’s surcharge is anticipated to go up by 4,900 yen to 14,300 yen, and JAL’s surcharge will rise by 5,000 yen to 12,400 yen. Moreover, both airlines are likely to double surcharges for flights to South Korea and Russia from around 3,000 yen, reaching the highest levels under the current pricing structure.
The surge in fuel surcharges is expected to impact the upcoming summer holiday season and might lead to a decrease in travel demand, as reported. These adjustments are part of the airlines’ routine practice of reviewing surcharges every two months to adjust to fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates. The surcharge rates for June and July are based on the average kerosene prices in February and March, which saw a significant increase due to the Middle East conflict.
Aviation kerosene, derived from crude oil refining, experienced a price surge in March, more than doubling in the Singapore market since the conflict began in late February. Fuel surcharges are directly linked to the average kerosene prices every two months, with the recent price spikes being factored into the upcoming surcharges for June and July.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi had previously mentioned the possibility of engaging in discussions with Iranian leadership at an appropriate time, considering Japan’s national interests amidst the heightened tensions in the Middle East.
