Why Are Flights So Expensive in 2026? Fuel Surcharges, Fare Increases & What to Do

Flights are getting significantly more expensive in 2026 — and the reason traces directly to the Middle East conflict that erupted in late February. Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz on 2 March, and airlines worldwide are passing those costs on to passengers through fare increases and fuel surcharges.

If you’ve noticed flights to Dubai, Bangkok, London, or practically anywhere else costing more than they did a few weeks ago, this article explains why — which airlines have officially announced price increases, how routes are being cut, and what you can do about it.

Why Have Flight Prices Gone Up?

The Strait of Hormuz Crisis

On 28 February 2026, a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran triggered a regional conflict across the Gulf. Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz on 2 March — a narrow waterway responsible for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas trade.

The closure sent crude oil prices above US$100 per barrel for the first time in years, with Brent crude spiking to nearly $128 in early April. Although a US-Iran ceasefire was announced on 8 April, oil prices remain volatile — Brent fell to around $94 immediately after the ceasefire but climbed back above $100 within days as Iran continued to restrict Hormuz traffic.

How Much Has Jet Fuel Gone Up?

According to IATA Jet Fuel Price Monitor puts the latest global average at US$209 per barrel as of early April 2026 — up from US$99 at the end of February. That is an increase of more than 110% in barely five weeks, and prices have continued to fluctuate as markets react to the ceasefire and ongoing Hormuz disruptions.

Fuel typically accounts for 25–40% of an airline’s operating costs, depending on the carrier. For many carriers, that share has now jumped to 40–45%. When the price doubles in a matter of weeks, airlines have limited options: raise fares, add fuel surcharges, cut flights, or all three.

The Ceasefire Has Not Fixed the Problem

The two-week US-Iran ceasefire brokered on 8 April brought some initial relief to oil markets, but aviation industry leaders have warned that jet fuel prices will remain elevated for months even in a best-case scenario.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated that even if the Strait of Hormuz were to reopen and remain open, it would still take months to restore jet fuel supply given the disruption to refining capacity in the Middle East. Walsh compared the recovery timeline to past crises: “Post-9/11, the recovery took about four months. In 2008–2009 it was probably 10 to 12 months.”

The core issue is not just crude oil access but physical damage to refining infrastructure in the Gulf, which cannot be repaired overnight regardless of diplomatic agreements.

Which Airlines Have Officially Raised Prices?

Not every airline communicates price increases the same way. Some add explicit fuel surcharges (a separate line item on your ticket). Others quietly raise base fares. Here’s what major airlines serving Wego’s markets have publicly announced.

Cathay Pacific — Most Transparent

Cathay Pacific has been the most upfront about surcharge increases. The airline published a detailed surcharge update page with exact amounts by route category, and has committed to reviewing surcharges every two weeks instead of monthly during the crisis.

From 1 April 2026, Cathay’s surcharges increased by 34% on top of an earlier 105% hike. Here’s what that looks like per flight sector:

These are per sector charges — a round-trip long-haul flight now carries US$400 in fuel surcharges alone.

On 11 April, Cathay also announced it will trim about 2% of total passenger flight frequencies between 16 May and 30 June, while its low-cost subsidiary HK Express will cancel roughly 6% of services over the same period. The airline’s passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh remain suspended until at least 30 June.

Emirates — Surcharges by Cabin and Route

Emirates has raised fuel surcharges multiple times since the conflict began. The airline publishes updated surcharge amounts on its official fuel surcharge page. Current surcharges per leg include:

• Americas: US$322 economy / US$1,023 business and first class
• Europe: US$226 economy / US$623 premium cabins
• Australia and New Zealand: US$302 economy / US$958 premium cabins

Emirates is also operating a reduced flight schedule to more than 100 destinations following the partial reopening of regional airspace after the ceasefire. Award ticket fuel surcharges have risen particularly steeply — a pain point for frequent flyers redeeming miles.

IndiGo — Two Rounds of Increases

IndiGo, India’s largest airline, has implemented fuel surcharges in two phases:

• 14 March 2026: First surcharge of ₹425–₹2,300 on domestic and international routes
• 2 April 2026: Revised surcharges ranging from ₹275–₹950 for domestic flights (based on distance slabs) and ₹900–₹10,000 for international flights

For travellers flying IndiGo between Delhi or Mumbai and Gulf destinations like Dubai or Jeddah, the surcharge on a one-way ticket could add up to ₹10,000 (roughly US$120).

Air India — Phased Fuel Surcharge

Air India announced a phased fuel surcharge across its domestic and international network, citing the steep rise in aviation turbine fuel (ATF) prices. Surcharges range from US$24 to US$280 per sector depending on the route, with SAARC destinations at the lower end and North America and Australia routes at the upper end.

Air India noted that ATF accounts for nearly 40% of operating costs, and the surcharge is intended to partially offset — not fully recover — the increased fuel expense.

Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA — Big Hikes From June

JAL and ANA have announced substantial surcharge increases for tickets issued from June 2026. Both airlines set surcharges two months in advance based on a government-approved formula.

A round-trip flight from Tokyo to Europe on ANA will carry ¥110,000 (roughly US$730) in fuel surcharges alone from June — more than the base fare on many economy tickets.

Qantas — Route-Specific Fare Hikes

Qantas introduced an additional A$120 surcharge on long-haul international flights, including routes from Sydney and Melbourne to London, Los Angeles, and New York.

Etihad Airways — Fares Up, Award Surcharges Suspended Regionally

Etihad Airways has taken a different approach to the fuel crisis. While fuel costs have risen sharply, the airline has been cutting fares by up to 50% on select long-haul routes — including flights connecting the UK, Australia, Singapore, Japan, and Thailand through Abu Dhabi — in a bid to stimulate demand during the regional disruption.

In a notable loyalty move, Etihad suspended fuel surcharges on award tickets for Middle East regional flights through August 2026, and reduced Etihad Guest tier qualification requirements by 25% through March 2027. For passengers rebooking disrupted flights, Etihad’s published waiver policy allows free rebooking without fare difference onto Etihad-operated flights up to 15 May 2026, and fee-free rebooking with possible fare difference up to 15 June 2026 — though the new fare may reflect the higher surcharge levels.

Qatar Airways — Surcharges Rising Despite Fleet Cuts

Qatar Airways is in a uniquely difficult position: the airline has parked a significant portion of its fleet since Qatari airspace closed on 1 March, yet it is still raising fuel surcharges on the routes it continues to operate.

The impact is particularly visible on award ticket redemptions. Business class surcharges on routes from Europe to Doha have risen from approximately €63 to €109, while long-haul routes to Australia and New Zealand saw surcharges nearly triple. Qatar Airways has not published a centralised surcharge update page — travellers should expect surcharges to be reflected in the total fare shown at the time of booking on Wego or the airline’s website.

Delta Air Lines — $2 Billion Fuel Hit, Capacity Frozen

Delta Air Lines reported in its Q1 2026 earnings that it expects an additional US$2 billion in fuel costs in the second quarter alone. In response, the airline has removed all planned capacity growth from Q2 — a cut of roughly 3.5 percentage points from its original plan. Delta expects all-in fuel costs of US$4.30 per gallon in Q2, and has indicated a “downward bias” on capacity until fuel costs improve.

Other Airlines That Have Announced Increases

The list of airlines that have publicly raised fares or surcharges continues to grow:

Singapore Airlines — A Notable Exception

Singapore Airlines and its budget subsidiary Scoot have not imposed explicit fuel surcharges. Instead, the airline has raised base fares across its network, citing market conditions. SIA’s fuel hedging programme — one of the most robust in the industry — has provided a buffer against the price shock, though the airline acknowledged that fare increases will not fully offset the fuel cost surge.

Airlines Are Also Cutting Flights

Higher prices are only part of the equation. Several airlines are also reducing the number of flights available, which further pushes up prices on remaining seats.

Capacity Cuts and Route Suspensions

• Delta Air Lines removed all planned capacity growth from Q2 2026 — a cut of about 3.5 percentage points — and signalled further reductions if fuel costs persist
• Cathay Pacific will trim 2% of passenger flight frequencies from mid-May through June, with HK Express cutting 6% of services
• United Airlines cut roughly 5% of planned flights in Q2-Q3 2026, and suspended service to Dubai and Tel Aviv
• Vietnam Airlines cancelled 23 weekly domestic flights from April 1, suspending routes from Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong
• Gulf carriers including Qatar Airways, Etihad, and Gulf Air continue to operate at significantly reduced capacity due to airspace closures

Fewer flights plus higher fuel costs equals more expensive tickets.

What Can You Do About It?

Book Sooner Rather Than Later

Travel experts widely recommend booking now if you have firm plans, especially for summer travel. Prices are expected to continue rising as fuel surcharges are reviewed upward every two to four weeks. Airlines like Cathay Pacific and ANA have already announced higher surcharges for the coming months.

Be Flexible With Dates and Routes

Midweek departures and shoulder-season dates (May and September) tend to be less affected by surcharges. Use the Wego flight search to compare fares across multiple dates and airlines at once.

Consider Alternative Hubs

With Gulf airspace disruptions adding costs and delays to routes through the Middle East, Singapore, Bangkok, and Istanbul have emerged as popular alternative transit hubs. Routing through these cities may offer better fares than traditional Gulf connections.

Check the Fare Breakdown Before You Book

Use the fare breakdown on your booking confirmation to compare how different airlines structure their pricing. An airline with a higher base fare but lower surcharge may actually be a better deal — because fuel surcharges on award tickets and reissued tickets tend to be recalculated at the current rate, while base fares are often locked in.

Watch for Airline-Specific Deals

Not every airline passes costs through identically. Singapore Airlines absorbs more through hedging; budget carriers like AirAsia may adjust more aggressively. Comparing across airlines on Wego helps you spot which carriers are still offering competitive fares on your route.

Check If Your Existing Booking Is Affected

If you already have a ticket, fuel surcharges generally apply at the time of ticketing, not travel. A ticket booked before the surcharge increase usually retains the original surcharge amount — unless you rebook or reissue the ticket. Check your airline’s policy before making changes.

Will Prices Come Back Down?

The US-Iran ceasefire announced on 8 April is a step in the right direction, but industry leaders have made clear that relief will be gradual, not instant.

IATA’s Willie Walsh compared the recovery to past crises: post-9/11, jet fuel supply normalised in about four months; after the 2008–2009 crisis, it took 10 to 12 months. The current disruption involves physical damage to Gulf refining infrastructure, which means that even a lasting peace would not bring prices down overnight.

Cathay Pacific has committed to adjusting surcharges both up and down based on biweekly fuel price reviews. Most airlines have indicated their increases are temporary. But as long as the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and Gulf refining capacity is constrained, jet fuel prices are likely to stay elevated.

For now, the best strategy is to compare fares frequently, book when you find a price you’re comfortable with, and stay flexible on dates and routing where possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my existing ticket get more expensive?

Generally no. Fuel surcharges are locked in at the time you purchase your ticket. However, if you change or rebook your flight, the new surcharge rate may apply to the reissued ticket.

Are budget airlines affected too?

Yes. Budget carriers like IndiGo and AirAsia have announced surcharges and fare increases. Low-cost airlines typically have thinner margins, so they’re often quicker to pass fuel costs on to passengers.

Will the ceasefire bring prices down?

Not immediately. IATA Director General Willie Walsh has said that even if the Strait of Hormuz reopens, it could take months for jet fuel supply to recover due to damage to Gulf refining infrastructure. Airlines have committed to lowering surcharges as fuel prices drop, but the timeline depends on how the geopolitical situation evolves.

When will flight prices go back to normal?

There’s no clear timeline. Prices are tied to jet fuel costs, which are driven by the Middle East conflict and the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Most airlines have described their increases as temporary, but they’ll remain in place as long as fuel prices stay elevated. Based on past crises, a recovery period of 4 to 12 months after resolution is a reasonable expectation.

How can I find cheaper flights right now?

Compare fares across airlines on Wego, be flexible with travel dates (midweek and shoulder season tend to be cheaper), consider alternative transit hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, or Istanbul instead of Gulf-based connections, and check the fare breakdown to compare how different airlines structure their surcharges.

Sources

1. IATA — Jet Fuel Price Monitor
2. Cathay Pacific — Fuel Surcharge Updates
3. Emirates — Fuel Surcharge
4. Air India — Phased Implementation of Fuel Surcharge
5. JAL — International Fare Fuel Surcharge
6. ANA — International Fuel Surcharge Information
7. Etihad Airways — Waiver for Guests Impacted by the Middle East Situation
8. Qatar Airways — Passenger Guidelines: Security Situation
9. Delta Air Lines — March Quarter 2026 Financial Results
10. CNBC — Cathay Pacific to Cut Flights From Mid-May to End-June
11. U.S. EIA — Crude Oil and Petroleum Product Prices Q1 2026
12. Fortune — IATA: Jet Fuel Recovery Could Take Months
13. The National — Air Fares to Surge as Jet Fuel Prices Remain High Despite Ceasefire
14. CNBC — Brent Oil Spot Price Above $120 Despite Ceasefire
15. The National — Etihad Cuts Fares by 50% on Selected Routes Amid Middle East Conflict

Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.