# High airfares may become new norm as jet fuel costs soar, says Asia-Pacific airline industry chief

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/high-airfares-may-become-new-norm-as-jet-fuel-costs-soar-says-asia-pacific-airline-industry-chief/
- Published: 2026-11-13T16:06:42+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T17:52:53+00:00
- Original publisher: PBS NewsHour (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/high-airfares-may-become-new-norm-as-jet-fuel-costs-soar-says-asia-pacific-airline-industry-chief
- Topics: Asia, Politics, World

## Key points

- Jet fuel is around $180 a barrel, up from $80 a year ago.
- Fuel makes up about a third of airline operating costs.
- Airlines are weighing higher fares against the risk of losing passengers.

## Summary

Asia-Pacific airlines’ leader Wong Hong says high fares could become a lasting feature as carriers face much higher fuel and operating costs. Airlines are trying to balance covering those expenses with keeping tickets affordable enough to retain passengers.

Jet fuel has risen from about $80 to around $180 a barrel in a year, and accounts for roughly a third of airline operating costs. Airlines have raised fares or added surcharges since the Iran war began in late February; regional passenger traffic fell for five consecutive months from April to August, then edged up in September, while traffic for the first nine months grew 1.9%. Aircraft delivery delays and costly maintenance of older planes add to the pressure.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.