All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) plan to lower fuel surcharges for international flights issued in September and October [1, 2].
The price reduction follows a period of record-high costs for travelers. Lowering these fees may encourage a recovery in international travel demand after months of steep pricing increases.
The decision comes after fuel prices dropped throughout June and July [1]. This decline in cost is attributed to a memorandum of understanding signed in June 2026 between the U.S. and Iran to end hostilities [1].
These cuts apply to a wide range of international routes, including flights to North America, Europe, and South Korea [1, 2]. The move marks a reversal from previous months when costs peaked.
For tickets issued in July and August, surcharges reached record highs [1]. One-way trips to North America and Europe cost 65,000 yen, while flights to South Korea cost 7,400 yen [1].
Earlier this year, reports indicated a different trend. In April, some forecasts suggested that surcharges would be raised significantly starting in June [3, 4]. Other reports from July indicated that the airlines had solidified plans to increase prices for tickets issued during the summer months [5].
Despite those previous increases, the current dip in global oil prices, driven by the diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East, has allowed the carriers to adjust their pricing downward for the autumn period [1, 2].
“ANA and JAL plan to lower fuel surcharges for international flights issued in September and October.”
The adjustment reflects the direct volatility of the aviation industry's dependence on geopolitical stability. Because fuel surcharges are pegged to market prices, the diplomatic agreement between the U.S. and Iran serves as a primary catalyst for reducing consumer costs. This shift suggests a transition from the peak-pricing strategy seen in the summer of 2026 toward a more sustainable pricing model for autumn travelers.
