Thai Airways International plans to increase ticket prices by 10–15% as the airline moves to offset rising fuel costs and manage surging travel demand, particularly from passengers redirecting trips from the Middle East to Europe, according to chief financial officer Cherdchom Thetsathirasak.
Speaking during an investor video conference on Wednesday, Ms Cherdchom said most of the airline’s European flights this month have reached around 90% seat occupancy. She noted that Thai Airways could further increase fuel surcharges if oil prices continue to rise.
“Passengers planning to travel should secure their tickets as soon as possible before fares increase further,” she said. “Over the next two weeks, ticket availability will be extremely limited on both European routes and other destinations.”
Airlines worldwide are facing increasing pressure from higher jet fuel prices, one of the industry’s largest operating expenses. Oil markets remain volatile amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.
In response, many carriers have raised fares and fuel surcharges to offset costs, while testing travellers’ willingness to absorb higher ticket prices despite continued strong international travel demand.
Ms Cherdchom said it remains too early to provide a clear outlook for passenger demand in the second quarter due to the uncertain geopolitical situation.
Thai Airways reported a net profit of 30.9 billion baht in 2025, a significant turnaround from a net loss of 26.9 billion baht the previous year. The airline’s revenue rose 1.3% to 190 billion baht, reflecting a gradual recovery following its court-supervised debt restructuring initiated during the pandemic.
Other Airlines Increasing Fares and Surcharges
Several airlines have also announced fare increases or adjustments to fuel surcharges as of March 11:
- AirAsia has raised fares and adjusted fuel surcharges, though it has not disclosed specific amounts, saying it will continue to monitor market conditions and respond as necessary.
- Air India and Air India Express will begin implementing fuel surcharges from March 12 across domestic and international routes. Domestic and regional flights will see an additional 399 rupees (about $4.35), while surcharges for Southeast Asia will rise to $60 and Africa to $90. From March 18, surcharges for Europe will increase to $125, while routes to North America and Australia will rise to $200.
- Air New Zealand said on March 10 it would raise fares by an unspecified amount and may take further pricing actions or adjust its network if fuel costs remain elevated.
- Cathay Pacific has also indicated that it will soon increase fuel surcharges to cover higher operating costs.
- Finnair said the current volatility in oil markets will be reflected in ticket prices rather than implementing a separate fuel charge. The airline has also cancelled flights through Doha and Dubai until at least the end of the month.
- Hong Kong Airlines will increase fuel surcharges from March 12, including a 35% rise on certain routes such as the Maldives, Nepal and Bangladesh. Long-haul routes to Australia and North America will see an increase of HK$150, bringing the surcharge to HK$739.
- Japan Airlines stated that although it already applies fuel surcharges on international routes, it does not plan to adjust them before April 1.
- Qantas is raising international fares by around 5% on average, citing a surge in jet fuel prices of up to 150% in the past two weeks. The airline reported that flights to Europe are more than 90% full this month, compared with a typical load factor of around 75%.
- SAS has introduced temporary fuel-related price adjustments following the rapid increase in oil prices.