The escalating tensions in West Asia are sending ripple effects in global aviation by dramatically triggering crude oil and jet fuel prices to soar above $100 a barrel (the highest since 2022). Even a moderate increase in fuel prices can affect airline economics, provided jet fuel being the single largest fare component in long-haul flight tickets, such as from US to India. It is forcing airlines to revise fuel surcharges and raise fares to offset additional operational expenses, amid the global fuel supply challenges.
Air India raises fuel surcharge in tickets
Hit by the jet fuel price hike, Air India increased fuel surcharge for both domestic and international flights. Come 18 March 2026, Air India flight tickets to USA and Australia will cost an additional $50 per passenger due to the fuel surcharge increase from $150 to $200, in addition to a usual fare hike driven by the changing demand-supply dynamics. Effective 12 March, domestic fares of Air India and its subsidiaries include Rs 399 as fuel surcharge per ticket.
Cathay Pacific doubles fuel surcharge
Another popular Asian airline operating flights between USA and India bypassing the Middle East airspace, Cathay Pacific has doubled the fuel surcharge for long-haul service. Cathay Pacific’s new fuel surcharge, USD149 (doubled from US$ 73), will apply to tickets issued on or after 18 March. The aviation fuel cost that has roughly doubled amid the soaring crude oil prices since the outbreak of conflicts in West Asia, is a major driver for the fuel surcharge increase.
Air France-KLM raises long-haul fares by $58
Of the European airlines providing safe travel between USA and India amid the Middle East travel disruptions, Air France-KLM’s flight ticket prices have soared by an additional US$ 58 per passenger, effective 11 March 2026. This fuel surcharge for long-haul economy flights varies depending on travel classes. However, the Lufthansa Group of airlines has a hedging system to indemnify international fares against the soaring fuel costs.
US airlines to respond to soaring fuel prices
US airlines are feeling the heat of a sharp rise in jet fuel costs, but they are yet to react to it. United Airlines’ CEO Scott Kirby is keeping a close watch on the Middle East war developments and said that UA flight ticket prices could soar in the coming days if the global fuel supply challenges further drive up the aviation turbine fuel price per barrel. Delta Airlines’ spokesperson echoed the same thoughts referring to the evolving situation in the Gulf region.
Thai Airways to raise fuel surcharge by 10-15%
Since Thai Airways operates codeshare flights on some US to India routes via Bangkok, traveling with Thai Airways is not immune to an airfare and fuel surcharge increase. Reportedly, Thai Airways ticket prices may surge by 10-15% in the form of fuel surcharge in a bid to offset the rising jet fuel price. The airline said that travelers may see an approximate 15% fuel surcharge in tickets in the coming days.
Japan Airlines
Of the Asian airlines for safe US-India travel routes, Japan Airlines thinks it is too early to respond to the fuel price surge. JAL already has fuel surcharge as a fare component. As of now, Japan Airlines is not looking to revise the fuel surcharge before 1 April 2026. However, nothing can be said surely given unprecedented volatility of the geopolitical crisis.
To book or not to book summer travel now
“The history of international airfares in the aftermath of a global crisis like COVID-19 signals that this is the right time to book cheap flight tickets from USA to India for your summer travel, before airlines’ new fuel surcharge takes effect this month. When countries gradually reopened doors and travel rebounded after the COVID-19 pandemic, airlines increased fares manifold to recuperate their overwhelming losses to some extent. If the ongoing geopolitical conflict prolongs jet fuel price hikes, airline ticket prices will further burn holes into your pocket,” said Sourav Agarwal, Senior Editor of IndianEagle.com.
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