Some airlines such as Air France, Thai Airways, and United Airlines have not separated fuel surcharges but have instead incorporated them into base fares, with increases ranging from 5% to 20% depending on routes and service classes.
Others have applied separate fuel surcharges (YQ/YR) – additional fees on top of base fares – with flexible adjustments in line with fuel price fluctuations. Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, All Nippon Airways, and China Southern Airlines have implemented or raised such surcharges, with hikes ranging from about US$5 to over $380 per ticket, depending on flight distance and service class.
For cargo transport, several carriers, including Lufthansa and Korean Air, have imposed fuel surcharges of around $0.65-1.52 per kilogram.
At present, Vietnamese airlines are also developing plans for fuel surcharges on international routes, which may take effect from early April.
Vietnam Airlines has prioritized maintaining routes that ensure national air connectivity, facilitating trade, tourism, and external relations, while also sustaining domestic routes to meet travel demand.
The national flag carrier plans to temporarily suspend operations on several routes from April 1, including Hai Phong – Buon Ma Thuot, Hai Phong – Cam Ranh, Hai Phong – Phu Quoc, Hai Phong – Can Tho, Ho Chi Minh City – Van Don, Ho Chi Minh City – Rach Gia, and Ho Chi Minh City – Dien Bien. A total of 23 flights per week on these routes will be affected.
The CAAV noted that constrained supplies of Jet A-1 aviation fuel, due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, have put domestic airlines at risk of shortages.
From March 20 to 22, the global energy market maintained a strong upward trend amid severe supply disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude prices hovered around $110-120 per barrel, while WTI stood at approximately $110-114 per barrel.
In Asia, Jet A-1 prices (MOPS Singapore) remained at very high levels, commonly ranging from $220-230 per barrel, widening the gap between aviation fuel and crude oil prices. Notably, the premium rose to $33.11 per barrel on March 18 and peaked at $39.6 per barrel the same day.
