Under the revised charges announced Thursday, passengers travelling one way to North America and Europe will face surcharges of 62,000 yen. The increase represents a rise of 12,000 yen for JAL and 7,000 yen for ANA compared with the rates applicable to tickets issued in September and October.
The new rates mark the second-highest level on record, highlighting the continued pressure that fluctuations in fuel prices are placing on international air travel.
The surcharges previously reached an unprecedented high of 65,000 yen for one-way tickets to North America and Europe issued in July and August, amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. However, the fees were subsequently reduced for September and October following a decline in fuel prices after the United States and Iran signed a preliminary agreement in mid-June aimed at ending their war.
The latest increases reflect renewed uncertainty over fuel costs as developments in the Middle East continue to influence market conditions.
Passengers travelling to other Asian destinations will also face higher charges. For flights to China and Taiwan, ANA will increase its fuel surcharge by 800 yen to 15,100 yen, while JAL will raise its charge by 3,600 yen to 16,000 yen.
Travellers flying to South Korea will similarly see higher fees. ANA will increase its surcharge by 600 yen, while JAL will raise its charge by 1,200 yen, bringing the fees imposed by both airlines to 7,100 yen.
Fuel surcharges are additional fees imposed on air tickets to reflect fluctuations in aviation fuel costs. Although separate from the base airfare, these charges contribute to the overall cost of international travel and can rise or fall depending on changes in fuel prices.
The latest adjustments by JAL and ANA underscore the continuing impact of geopolitical uncertainty and energy-market volatility on air travel costs, with passengers booking international flights for November and December set to bear the additional expense.