Japanese airlines are set to increase fuel surcharges for international flights starting in June, driven by rising fuel costs and heightened geopolitical risks in the Middle East. The decision comes as the ongoing conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continues to disrupt global energy markets and maritime logistics.
According to a report by Kyodo News, cited by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Japan's leading carriers, ANA (All Nippon Airways) and JAL (Japan Airlines), plan to adjust their pricing to offset the surge in aviation fuel prices. For the June-July period, fuel surcharges for routes to North America and Europe are expected to rise significantly. Specifically, ANA will increase its fuel surcharge to $346 (55,000 yen), while JAL will set its fee at $315 (50,000 yen).
The aviation industry is facing broader pressure beyond Japan. Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, stated that ticket prices may need to increase by as much as 20 percent globally to cover the escalating operational expenses. These economic shifts are largely attributed to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps closing the Strait of Hormuz to vessels belonging to the U.S., Israel, and their allies, a move that has severely impacted the transit of oil products through one of the world's most vital maritime chokepoints.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global energy security, with approximately one-fifth of the world's total oil consumption passing through the waterway daily. Any prolonged disruption in this region typically leads to immediate volatility in global Brent crude prices, directly affecting the operating margins of international airlines. For Japan, which relies heavily on energy imports, these maritime security risks pose a direct challenge to the stability of its transport sector and international connectivity.
