Photo: Nanfang Plus
China's major airlines will increase fuel surcharges on domestic flights from April 5, following a sharp rise in aviation fuel prices.
Carriers including Xiamen Airlines and China United Airlines said passengers will be charged a fuel surcharge of 60 yuan on routes up to 800 km, and 120 yuan on longer journeys. The new rates apply to tickets issued on or after the effective date.
The adjustment comes as aviation fuel prices climb rapidly, driven by higher global oil costs. Industry data shows China's aviation fuel prices have jumped significantly in recent weeks, exceeding more than the threshold that allows airlines to impose surcharges under a price-linking mechanism tied to fuel costs.
Earlier, in mid-March, fuel surcharges on international routes were already increased as rising aviation fuel costs put continued pressure on carriers. Juneyao Airlines announced that from March 20 it would raise surcharges on China–Australia flights, with fees on China–Vietnam routes adjusted to 400 yuan per segment, China–Indonesia to 600 yuan, and routes to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia to 550 yuan per segment. Xiamen Airlines raised the levies on Indonesia–China flights from 290 yuan to 330 yuan, while Spring Airlines had earlier boosted international fuel levies on routes such as Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur and Penang from 180 yuan to 360 yuan and increased charges on Japan routes by more than 50%.
Major carriers in the Hong Kong SAR, including Cathay Pacific, HK Express, Hong Kong Airlines and Greater Bay Airlines, announced higher international fuel surcharges effective since March 18, with some increases reportedly exceeding 50 %.
The surcharge is a common tool used by airlines to offset volatility in fuel expenses, one of the industry's largest operating costs.
The expected increase has already influenced booking behaviour. Travel platforms report a noticeable rise in early ticket purchases ahead of the May Day holiday, as passengers seek to avoid higher fees. Booking data indicates domestic travel demand remains strong, with reservations for the holiday period up compared with last year.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
