NewKerala.com

Korean Airlines Hike Fuel Surcharges to Highest Level for May Flights

South Korean airlines will impose the highest possible fuel surcharges on flights in May due to surging global oil prices. The adjustment marks the steepest on-month increase since the current pricing system began in 2016. Korean Air's international one-way surcharge will rise significantly, with long-haul routes like New York seeing an 86% jump. This comes as South Korea welcomes a record number of foreign tourists in the first quarter, led by visitors from China.

Key Points: S. Korean Airlines Impose Highest Fuel Surcharges in May

  • Steepest monthly surcharge increase since 2016
  • Surcharges based on Mean of Platts Singapore benchmark
  • Korean Air long-haul fees to jump 86%
  • Record foreign tourist arrivals in Q1 2026
  • China leads inbound travel with 1.45 million visitors
2 min read

S. Korean airlines to impose highest fuel surcharges for May

South Korean airlines impose top-tier fuel surcharges for May flights as oil prices surge. International ticket prices to rise sharply.

"MOPS averaged US$214.71 per barrel... placing them in the top-tier Level 33 bracket - Industry Sources"

Seoul, April 16

South Korean airlines will impose the highest level of fuel surcharges on May flights as global oil prices surge amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, industry sources said on Thursday.

Carriers set May surcharges based on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), which averaged US$214.71 per barrel from March 16 to April 15, placing them in the top-tier Level 33 bracket, the sources said. MOPS serves as a benchmark for refined petroleum products in the Asia-Pacific region.

Fuel surcharges -- additional fees added to airfares to offset rising fuel costs -- are adjusted monthly under a government-guided distance-based pricing system, reports Yonhap news agency.

The May surcharge level jumped from Level 18 in April, marking the steepest on-month increase since the current system was introduced in 2016 and the first time the highest tier has been applied.

The latest adjustment will affect tickets issued in May.

Korean Air, the country's largest full-service carrier, said its international one-way fuel surcharge will rise to between 75,000 won ($50.89) and 564,000 won for May, up from 42,000 won to 303,000 won in April.

On long-haul routes, such as New York, Paris and London, the surcharge will jump 86 percent to 564,000 won.

Asiana Airlines Inc., the second-largest carrier, and low-cost airlines, including Jeju Air Co., are expected to announce their May surcharges in the coming days.

Industry officials said ticket purchases may rise sharply this month, as fuel surcharges are determined based on the ticket issuance date, allowing travelers to secure relatively lower rates before higher charges take effect.

Meanwhile, South Korea welcomed a record number of foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year, driven by a massive influx of fans attending a landmark performance by K-pop megastar BTS in central Seoul last month.

According to preliminary data from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, 4.76 million foreign tourists entered the country between January and March, up 23 percent from the same period in 2025, the highest first-quarter figure on record.

China led inbound travel with about 1.45 million visitors, up 29 percent, followed by Japan with 940,000, a 20 percent rise. Taiwan posted the sharpest year-on-year increase of 37.7 percent to 540,000, while arrivals from the Americas and Europe grew 17 percent to 690,000.

Tourist spending with foreign cards totalled 3.21 trillion won (US$2.18 billion), up 23 percent from a year earlier, while travel satisfaction rose to 90.8 points, up 1.1 points from 89.7 a year ago, in a poll.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Wow, an 86% increase on long-haul routes! That's brutal. I was planning a Europe trip later this year. Looks like I'll have to reconsider or book everything much earlier. The timing with record tourism is ironic—people want to travel but it's getting so expensive.
A
Aman W
While I understand fuel costs are rising, these surcharges feel like a hidden fare hike. Airlines should be more transparent. The article says to book now before May, but what about common people who can't make last-minute decisions? The system seems designed to pressure consumers.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see the K-pop tourism boost alongside this. BTS really moves economies! But it's a double-edged sword—more tourists wanting to fly in, but higher costs to get there. Hope this doesn't dampen the travel enthusiasm.
V
Vikram M
This is why we need stronger regional connectivity and better rail networks in Asia. Over-dependence on air travel makes us vulnerable to such oil price shocks. Maybe time to explore holiday destinations within India or neighbouring countries by train.
K
Karthik V
The surge from Level 18 to 33 in one month is shocking. It directly impacts middle-class families like mine who save for annual vacations. Governments and airlines need to find a more stable solution instead of passing the entire burden to passengers.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50