By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/high-airfares-may-become-new-norm-as-jet-fuel-costs-soar-says-asia-pacific-airline-industry-chief Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter High airfares may become new norm as jet fuel costs soar, says Asia-Pacific airline industry chief World Nov 13, 2026 11:06 AM EST KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — High airfares could become the new norm as airlines contend with soaring jet fuel prices and mounting operating costs, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines' chief said Friday. Wong Hong, director-general of the association grouping 18 airlines in the region, said carriers were trying to contain ticket prices while protecting their finances and avoiding fare increases that could drive passengers away. But the industry is operating in a substantially different cost environment from a year ago when jet fuel was about $80 a barrel, compared with around $180 currently, he said. Fuel accounts for a third of airline operating costs, making further price increases a threat to carriers' financial performance, he said. READ MORE: What to know if your flight is canceled as jet fuel costs rise…
High airfares may become new norm as jet fuel costs soar, says Asia-Pacific airline industry chief
In short
Fuel expenses have climbed significantly over the past year, driving international operators to elevate surcharges, raise base ticket costs, and institute additional passenger fees. The situation is exacerbated by delays in new aircraft deliveries, which force airlines to incur elevated maintenance expenses on older planes. Carriers must carefully balance these price hikes against the risk of deterring travelers, though regional passenger traffic managed a 1.9% increase over the first nine months of the year despite a prolonged mid-year slump.
Key points
- Travelers lock in ticket prices months in advance, leaving airlines vulnerable to subsequ…: Travelers lock in ticket prices months in advance, leaving airlines vulnerable to subsequent fuel cost spikes.
- Delays in new aircraft deliveries are forcing carriers to shoulder elevated maintenance e…: Delays in new aircraft deliveries are forcing carriers to shoulder elevated maintenance expenses for older planes.
- Airlines must continuously balance cost-covering ticket price hikes against the risk of s…: Airlines must continuously balance cost-covering ticket price hikes against the risk of suppressing resilient consumer demand.