Air France-KLM has announced it will raise ticket prices on long-haul flights as airlines face rapidly increasing jet fuel costs linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The airline group confirmed that the fare increase applies to tickets issued from March 11, 2026.
According to the company, economy-class return fares on long-haul routes will typically increase by about 50 euros per round trip. The price adjustment comes as jet fuel costs surge following the escalation of the conflict between the United States and Iran, which has pushed oil prices higher and created volatility across global energy markets.
Air France-KLM said the rise in kerosene prices has forced the airline to adjust fares in order to offset higher operating costs. Fuel is one of the largest expenses for airlines and even relatively small price increases can significantly impact profitability on long-haul routes.
Industry data cited by Arab News shows that the average global price of aviation fuel reached nearly $168 per barrel earlier this week, according to the Platts benchmark index. That price is significantly higher than levels seen at the start of the year.
The increase in aviation fuel costs has been steeper than the rise in crude oil prices due to additional refining and processing expenses associated with producing jet fuel.
Air France-KLM joins several other airlines that have recently warned about rising ticket prices as fuel costs climb. According to Reuters, carriers including SAS, Qantas, Cathay Pacific and Air India have either increased fares or signaled plans to introduce higher surcharges in response to the spike in jet fuel prices.
Some airlines are attempting to limit the financial impact through fuel hedging strategies. Hedging allows carriers to purchase fuel in advance at fixed prices, providing some protection against sudden price swings in energy markets.
Air France-KLM said it strengthened its hedging policy earlier this year. The group has secured about 70 percent of its fuel needs for the current and next quarters and about 60 percent for the following quarter. While hedging can reduce short-term exposure, sustained increases in fuel prices often still lead to higher ticket prices over time.
Not all airlines within the group are increasing fares immediately. Transavia, the low-cost airline owned by Air France-KLM, has so far chosen not to raise ticket prices but said it is monitoring fuel prices closely and may take action if necessary.
For travelers, the move suggests that long-haul airfares could continue rising across the industry if fuel prices remain elevated in the coming months.
