KUALA LUMPUR - Several airlines, including Air China, have announced higher fuel surcharges on domestic flights starting 5 April due to rising global oil prices.

Air China, China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines said surcharges will increase by 60 yuan for flights up to 800km and 120 yuan for longer routes.

Other carriers such as Spring Airlines and Juneyao Airlines have also announced similar increases.

International flight surcharges will be adjusted based on existing pricing systems, although no direct reference to the conflict was mentioned in official statements.

The increase comes as tensions in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven oil prices higher.

Benchmark Brent crude has risen to about USD100 per barrel following recent conflict developments involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific had already raised fuel surcharges by 34% last month due to rising fuel costs.

Other airlines, including Air France-KLM, Air India, Qantas and Scandinavian Airlines, have also increased fares to reflect higher jet fuel prices.

Some airlines have also suspended flights to parts of the Middle East due to safety concerns.

Analysts said airlines may still face pressure on profit margins despite hedging part of their fuel costs.

China’s aviation sector carried about 770 million passengers in 2025, up 5.5% from the previous year.

International passenger traffic rose by 21.6%, reflecting strong demand for travel.

Passenger numbers are expected to reach 810 million, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.