International flight fuel surcharges to rise in September, adding to travel costs

International flight passengers face higher costs starting in September as fuel surcharges are set to rise for the first time in four months. The surcharge level will jump from 14 to 21 steps, significantly increasing the financial burden on travelers planning overseas trips.

The increase is driven by a surge in international oil prices, exacerbated by ongoing military tensions in the Middle East. The average price of Singapore jet fuel during the September calculation period (July 16 to August 15) rose by approximately 25.4% compared to the previous period. This marks a reversal after three consecutive months of decline, which had lowered surcharges to 14 steps in August.

Major airlines will implement the higher surcharges. Korean Air will see its surcharges increase by about 36% per leg, with long-haul routes to North America (6,500-9,999 miles) experiencing a rise of approximately 94,800 won per leg, totaling around 190,000 won for a round trip. Short-haul routes to destinations like Fukuoka and Qingdao will also see increases. Asiana Airlines will also apply the 21-step surcharge, with increases of 42.1% and 43.0% for minimum and maximum fares, respectively.

Airline industry officials are closely monitoring the volatile oil market and geopolitical developments. Fuel surcharges are separate from base fares and are adjusted monthly based on the average price of Singapore jet fuel and route distance. The current increase reflects the recent spike in oil prices, influenced by heightened tensions near the Strait of Hormuz.