As the Middle East war continues, keeping international oil prices elevated, the fuel surcharge applied to international flight tickets issued in May has reached its highest level on record. For those preparing for overseas travel, this means a significantly greater burden when purchasing airline tickets.

According to the airline industry, the average price of Singapore jet fuel (MOPS), which serves as the benchmark for calculating the May fuel surcharge, was 511.21 cents per gallon or $214.71 per barrel. Under the current system, if the price exceeds 470 cents per gallon, the highest level, Level 33, is applied. This is the first time that this level has ever been triggered.

The fuel surcharge is an additional amount charged on top of airfare by airlines to partially offset increased costs due to higher oil prices. Airlines set and adjust this amount each month based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s distance-based system.

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Notably, the fuel surcharge for May jumped by 15 levels compared to April’s Level 18. This represents the largest month-to-month increase since the current fuel surcharge system was introduced in 2016. The previous record was Level 22, which was reached in July and August 2022 as a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Korean Air has set the international fuel surcharge for May from a minimum of 75,000 KRW to a maximum of 564,000 KRW per one-way trip. This marks a significant increase compared to last month's range of 42,000 KRW to 303,000 KRW.

For example, a round-trip on the New York route could incur an additional fuel surcharge of up to 1,128,000 KRW.

Asiana Airlines also applies a fuel surcharge ranging from 85,400 KRW to a maximum of 476,200 KRW per one-way trip. Compared to the previous month, this is an increase from 41,500 KRW to 224,300 KRW.

With international oil prices unlikely to decrease anytime soon, those planning overseas trips should carefully check not only the base airfare but also the fuel surcharge.