Introduction
If you’ve been looking at flights for a summer trip home and noticed the prices have jumped, you’re not imagining things. One of the biggest reasons is a sharp increase in fuel surcharges (nenyu saachaaji) on JAL and ANA tickets issued from May 2026 onward.
Both airlines have revised their fuel surcharges for tickets issued in May and June 2026. On long-haul routes to Europe and the Americas, the surcharge alone now exceeds ¥50,000 per direction, meaning over ¥100,000 round trip on top of the base fare.
This article breaks down what changed, why it happened, and how to keep your flight costs as low as possible.
What You’ll Learn
- How much JAL and ANA fuel surcharges have increased for May-June 2026 tickets
- Why May and June surcharges are different (government subsidy factor)
- How much more trips home and international travel will cost
- 5 ways to reduce the fuel surcharge burden
Disclaimer: This article is based on announcements by JAL and ANA as of April 2026. Information is current as of May 18, 2026.
How Much Are the New Fuel Surcharges?
JAL announced revised fuel surcharges for tickets issued in May and June 2026. ANA has made similar adjustments, and the two airlines’ surcharges are nearly identical.
The table below shows JAL’s published one-way surcharges for May and June 2026. ANA’s surcharges sit at nearly the same levels — typically only a few hundred to a few thousand yen apart per route — so JAL’s figures are a reliable guide to both airlines’ revisions.
| Route | Previous (Mar-Apr tickets) | May tickets | June tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea / Far East Russia | ~¥5,500 | ~¥7,000 | ~¥11,000 |
| Southeast Asia | ~¥12,000 | ~¥16,000 | ~¥25,000 |
| Europe / Middle East | ~¥28,000 | ~¥35,000 | ~¥55,000 |
| North America / Hawaii | ~¥26,000 | ~¥33,000 | ~¥52,000 |
(Sources: JAL Press Release — Fuel Surcharge Revision / ANA Fuel Surcharge Page)
For tickets issued in June, round-trip fuel surcharges to Europe and North America exceed ¥100,000. This amount is charged on top of the base airfare.
Why Are May and June Prices Different?
May ticket surcharges are set lower than June because the Japanese government applied a subsidy on aviation fuel through May. This partially offset the rising fuel costs.
From June onward, that subsidy is no longer in effect, and the full fuel price increase is reflected in the surcharge. For ANA’s Hong Kong route, for example, the surcharge jumps from 312 HKD (equivalent) in May to 790 HKD equivalent in June.
If you issue (purchase) your ticket in May, you lock in the lower May surcharge rate. Buying the same flight in June means paying the higher surcharge. The date you purchase the ticket is what counts.
Behind the Increase: Middle East Tensions and Fuel Prices
Fuel surcharges are calculated based on the market price of jet fuel (Singapore kerosene benchmark) and are reviewed every two months.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East in 2026 have disrupted fuel supply chains, driving up the cost of aviation fuel. This directly translates into higher surcharges for passengers.
Fuel surcharges go down when fuel prices drop. However, as long as the situation in the Middle East remains unstable, a near-term decrease is unlikely.
What This Means for Trips Home and Travel
If you’re living in Japan and planning a trip to your home country, this revision means a significant increase in travel costs.
For example, a round trip to the United States:
- Before the revision: Fuel surcharge ~¥52,000 round trip
- June ticket issuance: Fuel surcharge ~¥104,000 round trip
- Difference: ~¥52,000 more
Round trips to Europe hit similar levels, exceeding ¥100,000 in surcharges alone. Make sure to check the total cost including surcharges and taxes before booking.
For a broader look at living expenses in Japan, see our Cost of Living in Japan 2026 Guide.
5 Ways to Reduce the Fuel Surcharge Hit
1. Buy your ticket in May
Tickets issued in May benefit from the government subsidy and carry a lower surcharge. Even if your travel date is the same, buying earlier could save you tens of thousands of yen.
2. Consider LCCs (low-cost carriers)
Airlines like Peach, Jetstar, and ZIPAIR often include fuel costs in their base fare rather than adding a separate surcharge. Depending on the route, the total price can be significantly lower.
3. Use miles for award tickets
Award tickets booked with JAL or ANA miles may be exempt from fuel surcharges (this varies by airline and route). If you’ve been saving miles, now is a great time to use them.
4. Look into connecting flights
Instead of direct flights, routing through Korea or Taiwan can sometimes reduce the total fuel surcharge. Compare the combined surcharges on each leg. For domestic travel within Japan, consider the JR Pass to save on train costs (see our JR Pass Guide).
5. Adjust your travel timing
Surcharges are reviewed every two months. If your trip isn’t urgent, you could wait to see the July-August rates before deciding.
When comparing flights, always look at the total price including fuel surcharges and taxes. A cheap base fare can be misleading if the surcharge adds ¥100,000+.
FAQ
Q. What is a fuel surcharge?
A. It’s an additional fee that airlines charge passengers to cover fluctuations in fuel costs. It’s billed separately from the base airfare and is reviewed every two months by JAL and ANA.
Q. Does the surcharge depend on when I buy or when I fly?
A. It depends on the ticket issuance date (when you purchase). Buying the same flight in May vs. June can result in different surcharge amounts.
Q. How much is the surcharge for a round trip?
A. The published amounts are per direction. Multiply by two for round trips. For example, a June-issued ticket to Europe is approximately ¥55,000 one way, or ¥110,000 round trip.
Q. Do LCCs charge fuel surcharges too?
A. Most LCCs bundle fuel costs into their fares, so there’s no separate surcharge line item. However, rising fuel prices may still be reflected in higher base fares.
Q. Could surcharges go even higher?
A. Yes, if Middle East tensions continue to push fuel prices up, the July-August rates could increase further. Conversely, if fuel prices drop, surcharges would decrease.
Key Takeaways
- ✅ If you’re planning a trip home or international travel, issue your ticket in May to lock in the lower subsidized surcharge rate
- ✅ Compare total costs with LCCs like ZIPAIR and Peach, which may not add a separate fuel surcharge
- ✅ If you have miles saved up, consider using them for award tickets that may waive the fuel surcharge
- ✅ Always check the full price including fuel surcharges and taxes before booking
Fuel surcharges fluctuate every two months, so today’s high rates won’t necessarily last forever. That said, with the Middle East situation showing no signs of calming down, a quick drop is unlikely. If you have travel plans, start comparing options early and factor in the surcharge when setting your budget.
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