Travellers are facing another hit to holiday budgets as airlines across Europe and beyond pass on the sharp rise in jet fuel costs with higher ticket prices.
The latest increases come after jet fuel prices jumped sharply in 2026 amid disruption to supplies from the Middle East.
Market data and industry reports show fuel costs have climbed steeply in recent weeks, putting pressure on airlines’ operating costs and prompting carriers to protect margins by lifting fares.
Airlines hike fares as jet fuel prices surge
Air France and KLM have both increased surcharges on new bookings, while Virgin Atlantic has also warned passengers to expect steeper fares in the months ahead.
Air France and KLM have doubled their long-haul fuel surcharge from €50 to €100 per round trip, with flights to the United States, Canada and Mexico seeing an extra €70 and shorter routes facing a smaller €10 increase.
The changes apply to new bookings, meaning passengers who already bought tickets are not affected.
Air France and KLM will have increased their round-trip fares by £87
Virgin Atlantic has also raised prices, adding £50 to economy tickets, £180 to premium economy, and £360 to business class fares on new bookings.
The airline’s chief executive has said fuel costs are now high enough that further increases could follow if the situation does not improve.
Travel experts say the impact could spread further if jet fuel remains expensive, especially during the busy summer season.
However, they note that airlines generally do not add surprise charges to existing bookings, so passengers who have already reserved flights should not be hit with extra fuel fees after purchase.
What it means for travellers
For holidaymakers, the immediate effect is simple: new flights may cost more, especially on long-haul routes.
Families booking later in the season are likely to feel the squeeze most, as surcharges stack on top of already elevated summer prices.
The post Major airlines are set to hike flight fares by up to £90 due to rising jet fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict – this is how much more you could be paying for your next trip appeared first on Secret Bristol.
