China’s ‘big three’ carriers have jointly increased domestic fuel surcharges, effective immediately, citing sustained volatility in global crude-oil markets and a weaker yuan. According to statements released on 2 April 2026, the surcharge on tickets for sectors under 800 km has risen to RMB 80, while flights over 800 km now incur RMB 150—roughly a 25 % jump across most city-pairs. The adjustment follows February’s National Development and Reform Commission bulletin that pegged domestic jet-kerosene benchmarks at a 16-month high. Under China’s semi-marketised surcharge mechanism, airlines are permitted—or compelled—to modify fees once the rolling average price moves beyond a government-set corridor. Industry analysts at CITIC Securities estimate the latest change could add up to RMB 1 billion in quarterly revenue for the trio, offsetting exchange-rate-driven fuel-import costs. For corporate travel managers, the immediate impact is higher ticket prices just as companies ramp up inter-city trips for Canton Fair and spring product-launch roadshows. Firms with volume-based discounts should verify whether contracts treat surcharges as pass-through costs. SMEs that shifted meetings online during the pandemic may need to revisit hybrid-work policies to contain travel budgets. Domestic leisure travellers have expressed frustration on social media, with some declaring they will switch to China Rail’s high-speed G-trains for journeys under five hours. Nevertheless, airlines argue that transparent surcharges are preferable to opaque base-fare hikes, noting that fees will fall automatically if jet fuel retreats below the trigger threshold. Looking ahead, sustained geopolitical tension in the Middle East and OPEC+ production discipline could keep surcharges elevated into the summer peak. Companies planning nationwide marketing tours should factor the higher costs into expense forecasts and consider advance-purchase or corporate-agreement allotments to cushion the blow.
Source: Asian Morning
