Major Chinese carriers hike domestic fuel surcharges from Sunday as Middle East conflict drives global oil prices higher.
BEIJING: Several Chinese airlines will raise fuel surcharges on domestic flights from Sunday.
National carrier Air China, China Southern, and Xiamen Airlines announced the increases in statements.
Surcharges for flights up to 800 kilometres will rise by 60 yuan, with a 120 yuan increase for longer journeys.
Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines also confirmed they will implement fuel surcharge hikes.
The airlines’ statements did not mention the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The move follows a surge in global crude oil prices triggered by the war.
Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz has further pressured energy markets.
Brent crude oil has risen to around USD 100 per barrel since late February.
This followed US and Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes on Gulf oil installations.
Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific increased its fuel surcharge by 34% last month.
Other global carriers like Air France-KLM and Qantas have also raised fares.
Many airlines have suspended services to Middle Eastern destinations over security concerns.
Analysts note airline margins could be affected despite common fuel cost hedging practices.
Chinese carriers transported approximately 770 million passengers in 2025.
This represented a 5.5% increase from the previous year.
International passenger traffic saw a significant jump of 21.6%.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China forecast passenger traffic to reach 810 million.
