Travelling from Japan to international destinations will become more expensive this summer after Japan’s two largest airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), announced sharp increases in fuel surcharges amid rising jet fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East.
The airlines said higher fuel surcharges will apply to international tickets booked in May and June 2026. The move comes as disruptions in global oil supplies pushed aviation fuel prices to record levels.
Flights between Japan and North America and Europe will see some of the steepest increases. JAL’s fuel surcharge on these routes will rise from JPY 29,000 to JPY 56,000, while ANA’s surcharge will increase from JPY 31,900 to JPY 56,000.
Fuel surcharges on flights between Japan and South Korea will also more than double, according to the airlines.
The increase follows a surge in jet fuel prices after tensions involving Iran affected crude oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil.
The airlines had initially planned to implement the higher surcharges in June, but advanced the timeline due to rapidly rising fuel costs.
Airlines warn of more fare pressure
JAL President Mitsuko Tottori said the airline is considering applying for further airfare increases linked to fuel costs. Under the revised pricing structure, fuel surcharges on Japan-North America routes could go up to JPY 59,000 under the highest permitted tier.
However, ANA and JAL said they would keep surcharges for May and June at the second-highest level instead of the maximum level, partly due to government support measures.
