International flight tickets issued in April are expected to cost significantly more for travelers departing from Korea, with increases of over 100,000 won ($75) compared to this month, according to industry data. This rise is attributed to surging fuel costs and increased fuel surcharges amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Major Korean airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, have reported substantial hikes in their monthly fuel surcharges, which are now linked to the volatile global oil market. The surcharge range for Korean Air, which was between 13,500 won and 99,000 won in March, is likely to increase further, potentially doubling in some cases.
Industry experts warn that if the trend continues, ticket prices—especially for long-haul flights—may rise by hundreds of thousands of won. The escalation is compounded by the sharp depreciation of the Korean won against the U.S. dollar, adding to airlines' expenses for fuel and aircraft leases paid in dollars.
Analysts caution that low-cost carriers (LCCs), being more sensitive to price changes, could face significant demand drops if ticket prices increase excessively. The overall outlook points to a challenging period ahead for Korean carriers as they navigate rising operational costs and geopolitical uncertainties.
