Fuel surcharges for international airline routes are scheduled to increase significantly starting on April 7, prompted by a sharp rise in crude oil prices, according to the Civil Aeronautics Administration of Taiwan. The surcharge will go up by US$27.50 for short-haul and US$71.50 for long-haul international flights, resulting in new surcharges of US$45 and US$117 respectively.
This increase represents a 157% surge in fuel surcharges, reflecting the global rise in crude oil prices since late February when conflicts in the Middle East led to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude prices have risen over 60% during this period.
Impact on Domestic Flights and Airline Costs
Ho Shu-ping, Director-General of the CAA, stated that domestic flight ticket prices could increase by an average of NT$97 (approximately US$3.03), partially absorbed by the Civil Aviation Operation Fund. There are no direct fuel surcharges on domestic routes, but fares may rise when the state-run CPC Corp., Taiwan raises fuel prices over three consecutive months.
"The surge in fuel prices has exerted financial pressure on local airlines," said Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai, emphasizing that the new surcharge measures aim to alleviate this burden.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration also instructed airlines to disclose surcharge information properly to prevent disputes and ensure transparency.
