China and Taiwan Airlines Hike Fuel Surcharges as Jet Fuel Prices Soar

Overview

• Chinese carriers including Air China, Spring Airlines, China Southern and Xiamen Air announced higher domestic fuel surcharges, set at 60 yuan for flights up to 800 kilometers and 120 yuan for longer routes.
• Taiwan’s aviation regulator approved a 157% jump in international fuel surcharges, with China Airlines and EVA Air applying increases of about €23.86 on short-haul tickets and about €62.03 on long-haul trips.
• IATA data show average jet fuel at about $197 per barrel, up from $95.5 a month earlier, underscoring a rapid rise in a key airline cost.
• Cathay Pacific lifted its fuel surcharge by 34% across all flights and said it will review the levy every two weeks due to volatile oil prices.
• Airlines in multiple regions, including Air France-KLM, Air India, Qantas and SAS, are passing on higher fuel costs through fare increases, new baggage fees and selective flight reductions.