Airlines in South Korea face record fuel surcharges
April 16 (Asia Today) -- International flight fuel surcharges in South Korea have surged to record levels, with some long-haul round-trip charges exceeding 1 million won ($750), as rising oil prices and jet fuel supply concerns weigh on the aviation industry.
According to industry data released Wednesday, Korean Air sharply increased its May fuel surcharges, with one-way charges on select long-haul routes to North America - including New York, Dallas and Chicago - reaching as high as 564,000 won ($420).
That marks a steep rise from 99,000 won ($74) in March and 303,000 won ($226) in April. On routes such as Los Angeles, London and San Francisco, surcharges climbed from 79,500 won ($60) in March to 501,000 won ($375) in May.
Short-haul routes to China, Japan and Southeast Asia also saw increases, with one-way surcharges rising from about 50,000 won ($38) in April to roughly 100,000 won ($75) in May.
Asiana Airlines also raised its May international fuel surcharges to between 85,400 won ($64) and 476,200 won ($356) per one-way ticket, depending on distance.
The surge comes as Singapore jet fuel prices - the benchmark for airline surcharges - climbed to 511.21 cents per gallon, equivalent to $214.71 per barrel, placing them at the highest tier under the current 33-level surcharge system introduced in 2016.
As a result, round-trip surcharges on long-haul routes to the Americas now exceed 1 million won, significantly increasing total ticket costs for passengers.
Industry officials said the increase reflects both rising global oil prices and growing uncertainty in jet fuel supply, driven in part by prolonged tensions between the United States and Iran.
Low-cost carriers, including Jeju Air, T'way Air and Jin Air, are also expected to raise surcharges, adding further pressure on travelers.
Beyond rising prices, airlines are increasingly concerned about supply stability. Industry officials warned that if fuel shortages worsen, carriers may be forced to cut flight operations or place staff on temporary leave, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jet fuel requires higher levels of refining than other fuels, making supply chains more sensitive to disruptions, officials said.
One airline official said that while the government is working to stabilize crude oil supply, reliance on strategic reserves could significantly increase costs if the situation deteriorates further.
-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI
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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260416010005176
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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 1:58 PM.