March 29, 2026 | 08:06 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The aviation industry faces significant challenges as jet fuel (avtur) prices soar in early 2026. The conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supplies, has become a major driver for major airlines such as Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines (SIA), and low-cost carriers (LCCs) to raise ticket prices to cover soaring operational costs.
As reported by The Sun, Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific officially increased its fuel surcharge by 34 percent starting April 1, 2026. This move was taken after the average global price of jet fuel soared to US$197 (approximately Rp3.1 million) per barrel, a significant increase from US$95.50 (approximately Rp1.5 million) per barrel the previous month. Cathay stated that it would review this surcharge policy every two weeks to adjust for market price volatility.
Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary, Scoot, are experiencing a similar situation. A CNA report stated that SIA has increased fares across its entire network. An SIA spokesperson explained that fuel costs account for approximately 30 percent of the group's total expenses, making it the largest single cost component. While fares have increased, the airline acknowledged that these measures haven't fully offset the sudden surge in costs.
OAG Aviation analyst Mayur Patel highlighted that Asia is the most impacted region, as 84 percent of the oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz is destined for the Asian market. "Asia is highly dependent on supplies from the Middle East, so the closure of this distribution route puts greater pressure than other regions," Patel said. This is exacerbated by stringent aviation fuel quality standards, making reserves more difficult to manage than other types of fuel.
In addition to fare increases, several airlines have begun taking drastic measures by suspending routes. Cathay Pacific extended its suspension of flights to Dubai and Riyadh until May 31, while SIA canceled flights to Dubai until the end of April. Low-cost carriers such as AirAsia X and Cebu Pacific have also begun adjusting fares by between 20 percent and 26 percent as a temporary response.
IMANDA ZAHWA
Read: Vietnam Airlines to Cancel 23 Weekly Flights Amid Fuel Crisis
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia Weighs Fare Hike as Airlines Push 15% Increase
2 hari lalu
Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) proposed a 15 percent increase in airline ticket ceiling prices for both jet & propeller aircraft
Qatar Airways Tops Airline Ratings' Global Best List for 2026
4 hari lalu
According to Airline Ratings, Qatar Airways combines innovation with consistent and high standards of in-flight service.
Indonesia Denies Reports of International Flight Restrictions
10 hari lalu
The Ministry of Transportation announced that international flights to the Middle East are operating as usual.
Emirates Says Flights to Resume Normally After Regional Airspace Reopens
21 hari lalu
Flights from Bali to Dubai on Emirates have resumed since Thursday, March 5, 2026, with flights from Dubai to Bali resuming the following day.
What to Do If Your Flight Gets Canceled
23 hari lalu
Passengers need to know what to do when a flight is cancelled, including their rights and compensation.
How the Middle East Conflict Affects Indonesia's Umrah Pilgrim Funds
24 hari lalu
Geopolitical tension involving Iran, Israel, and the United States in the Middle East is causing a dilemma for umrah travel organizers in Yogyakarta.
Indonesia Seeks to Establish Airline Holding Company by Mid-2026
29 hari lalu
The merger of three state-owned airlines is expected to be completed in the first semester of 2026. The holding consists of Garuda Indonesia, Citilink, and Pelita Air.
Passengers Could Be Fined for Playing Music Too Loud on Flights
31 hari lalu
The Indian government has expressed concern about playing loud music without headphones on flights.
Best Airlines for Traveling During Ramadan 2026
34 hari lalu
Passenger advocacy organization AirAdvisor has released a list of the 10 best airlines for Ramadan travelers in 2026.
Airlines Start Halting Flights to Cuba Amid US Fuel Blockade
45 hari lalu
Three Canadian airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a lack of guaranteed fuel supply. Germany also issued a travel warning.
