Photo: sorao.211 / Shutterstock.com Japan Airlines (JAL) and its subsidiary Japan Transocean Air (JTA) have submitted a request to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism of Japan to update fuel surcharges on international flights for tickets purchased in Japan between July 1 and August 31, 2026.
The airlinew, which previosuly announced a similar decision regarding fuel surcharge adjustment for May–June 2026, has explained that fuel surcharges on international flights are calculated based on the average price of jet fuel traded in Singapore. In April and May 2026, the price of fuel was $178.21 per barrel, a level that would have led the company to the highest charge level (Zone W). However, thanks to a government subsidy provided as part of emergency measures in the wake of tensions in the Middle East, a lower rate (Zone T) will actually apply, which limited the scope of the price increase for passengers.
Despite the subsidy, passengers are expected to feel the price increase. According to the company, fuel surcharges on international flights will increase by up to 20%, depending on the destination, with the sharpest increase, about 19%, expected on routes to East Asia.
On routes to North America, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania, the price increase will be approximately 16.1%, reflecting an additional cost of approximately $57 per ticket. On routes to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, an increase of approximately 18.2% will be recorded, or approximately an additional cost of $34 per ticket. On routes to Guam, Palau, the Philippines, Vietnam, Mongolia and Russia, the price increase will be approximately 15.4%, which is approximately an additional cost of $19. On routes to South Korea, an increase of approximately 13.8% is expected, amounting to approximately an additional cost of $6 per ticket.
The update is subject to approval by the Japanese authorities, and if approved, will apply to tickets issued starting July 1, 2026.