6th March 2026
Airlines can raise fuel surcharges substantially when oil and jet‑fuel prices spike, and the current Iran‑related disruption gives them both the motive and the market conditions to do so. There is no legal cap on how high surcharges can go, so the limits are set by competitive pressure, customer tolerance, and how long the fuel shock lasts.
How fuel surcharges work
Fuel surcharges are an add‑on fee airlines use to pass volatile fuel costs directly to passengers. They rise fastest when:
Jet fuel prices surge suddenly
Airlines face longer flight routes due to closed airspace
Hedging protection runs out or becomes too expensive
Jet fuel prices have risen sharply since the Iran conflict escalated, and airlines are already facing higher operating costs and rerouting pressures.
How high surcharges could go
There is no fixed ceiling, but past crises and current conditions give a realistic range.
1. Short‑haul flights
Surcharges typically rise by £10-£25 per passenger during fuel spikes.
Short‑haul routes are less fuel‑intensive, so increases tend to be modest.
2. Long‑haul flights
These see the biggest jumps because fuel is a much larger share of total cost.
In previous oil shocks, surcharges of £80-£150 per return ticket were common.
Given the current situation—jet fuel rallying to multi‑year highs and airlines scrambling to hedge against further increases—similar or higher levels are possible. Airlines are already buying more fuel derivatives to prevent costs from "spiralling" as prices surge.
3. Premium cabins
Business and First Class often carry higher surcharges because they are priced as a percentage of the fare.
In extreme cases, surcharges can exceed £200-£300 on long‑haul premium tickets.
Why surcharges may rise sharply this time
Three factors make the current situation more severe:
Jet fuel prices are rising rapidly due to the Iran conflict and disrupted supply routes.
Airlines are rerouting around closed Middle East airspace, adding hours of extra flying time and fuel burn.
Hedging is becoming more expensive, and airlines are increasing hedge coverage to protect themselves.
These pressures combine to push surcharges higher than in a normal fuel‑price cycle.
What to expect in the coming months
If the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted and jet fuel prices stay elevated:
Short‑haul surcharges may rise by £10–£30
Long‑haul surcharges may rise by £80–£180
Premium cabin surcharges could exceed £200+
If the conflict worsens or spreads, these numbers could climb further.