Air travel is set to become more expensive and less convenient in the coming months as airlines worldwide respond to a sharp surge in jet fuel prices. The spike follows escalating geopolitical tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which have disrupted global oil supply chains.

A key flashpoint is the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route, where restricted ship movement has tightened fuel supply. Jet fuel prices have jumped from about USD 85 to USD 90 per barrel to as high as USD 150 to USD 200 in recent weeks. With fuel making up nearly 25 per cent of airline operating costs, carriers are rapidly adjusting operations to manage mounting losses. Airline Seat Policy Rollback: Govt Suspends 60% Free Seat Selection on Flights After FIA and Akasa Air Raise Concerns.

 Here’s How Major Airlines are Responding

Aegean Airlines

Suspended Middle East routes and rising fuel costs are expected to impact financial performance.

Air Canada

Reducing four daily flights to New York between June and October 2026.

Air France-KLM

Raising long-haul ticket prices by around 50 euros; KLM cancelling 160 European flights.

Air India

Introducing distance-based fuel surcharge on international routes.

Air New Zealand

Cutting flights in May and June while increasing fares.

Air Transat

Reducing capacity by 6 per cent between May and October, affecting Europe and Caribbean routes.

Akasa Air

Adding fuel surcharge between Rs 199 and Rs 1,300.

Alaska Airlines

Increasing baggage fees depending on route and number of bags.

American Airlines

Raising baggage fees, with hikes up to USD 150.

Asiana Airlines

Slashing 22 flights between April and July.

Cathay Pacific

Cancelling about 2 per cent of passenger flights; HK Express cutting around 6 per cent.

Delta Air Lines

Increasing checked baggage fees to offset rising costs.

EasyJet

Warning of deeper losses and likely ticket price hikes after fuel hedges expire.

Hong Kong Airlines

Raising fuel surcharges by up to 35 per cent.

IndiGo

Adding fuel charges across domestic and international routes; lobbying for tax cuts.

JetBlue Airways

Increasing fees for optional services, including baggage.

Lufthansa Group

Cancelling 20,000 flights and reducing short-haul capacity.

Nigerian Airlines

Threatened to suspend operations before government intervention averted shutdown.

Pakistan International Airlines

Increasing domestic fares by USD 20 and international fares by up to USD 100.

SAS

Cancelling 1,000 flights in April amid rising fuel costs.

Spring Airlines

Increasing domestic fuel surcharges.

SunExpress

Adding temporary 10-euro fuel surcharge on Turkey-Europe routes.

TAP Air Portugal

Implementing fare hikes to offset fuel expenses.

Thai Airways

Planning fare increases of 10 to 15 per cent.

United Airlines

Already implemented multiple fare hikes and increased baggage fees.

Vietnam Airlines

Cancelling 23 domestic flights weekly.

Vietjet

Adjusting flight frequencies on select routes.

Virgin Australia

Revising fares in response to cost pressures.

Volotea

Linking ticket prices to fuel costs, allowing post-booking surcharges.

WestJet

Cutting seat capacity and adding fuel surcharges on some bookings.

As airlines continue to grapple with volatile fuel markets, industry experts warn that passengers will bear the brunt through higher fares, additional fees, and fewer travel options.

TruLY Score by LatestLY
Rating:3

TruLY Score 3 – Believable; Needs Further Research | On a Trust Scale of 0-5 this article has scored 3 on LatestLY, this article appears believable but may need additional verification. It is based on reporting from news websites or verified journalists (The Independent), but lacks supporting official confirmation. Readers are advised to treat the information as credible but continue to follow up for updates or confirmations

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 25, 2026 09:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).