Japan’s major airlines to hike international fuel surcharges in June

Japan’s two biggest airlines are set to sharply raise fuel surcharges for international flights from June. The move reflects the surge in crude oil prices and could dampen travel demand.

The surcharge on All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines one-way flights to North America and Europe will jump 72 percent in June and July. That’s compared with the rate set for April and May.

For ANA passengers that translates into a surcharge of 55,000 yen or 346 dollars. People flying with JAL will pay 50,000 yen.

The fuel levy for routes linking Japan with China and Taiwan will rise 52 percent for ANA, and 67 percent for JAL.

Both carriers will hike the fuel fees on flights from Japan to South Korea and Russia’s Far East by 97 percent.

The airlines review surcharges every two months to cope with fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates. The higher fees in June and July reflect fuel costs in February and March.