KLM doubles fuel surcharge on long-haul flights; travelers to Thailand also pay significantly more.
Air France-KLM's higher fuel surcharge particularly affects long-haul travelers. For passengers flying from Amsterdam to Bangkok, the additional levy is now mounting significantly. As a result, Thailand is being directly impacted by the turmoil in the energy market and the consequences for the aviation industry.
The airline first introduced an extra surcharge of 50 euros on March 11. Less than three weeks later, that amount was doubled to 100 euros. According to KLM, this adjustment has been published, but for the time being, this information cannot be found on the website.
Doubling followed first allowance in March
KLM introduced the first additional fuel surcharge on March 11. This was done in response to escalating tensions in the Middle East. A second increase followed on March 26, causing the surcharge for long-haul flights to rise from 50 to 100 euros. According to a spokesperson, this step is directly related to the sharp rise in kerosene prices over the past month.
For travelers, this means that flying on longer routes is quickly becoming more expensive. Especially for popular destinations in Asia, such as Thailand, this increase weighs heavily on the total ticket price. The new surcharge is already in effect, even though reports indicate it is not yet clearly visible on the airline's website.
Unrest in the Middle East drives up costs
The higher fuel costs are the result of the sharp rise in the price of oil per barrel. Airlines are now passing these extra costs on to their passengers. The situation in the Middle East plays a central role in this. The conflict in the region and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are putting pressure on both the supply and the price of kerosene.
The source provided states that, following Iran, the United States is now also blocking passage to the Persian Gulf. The Gulf states are particularly important for the supply of oil for kerosene and for the supply of kerosene itself. This makes the consequences for international aviation immediately felt, including on routes between the Netherlands and Thailand.
These are the new surcharges per flight type
The increase varies by distance and destination. For most long-haul flights, a surcharge of 100 euros now applies to a return ticket. For slightly shorter intercontinental routes, such as to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, that levy amounts to 70 euros. Ticket prices have also been increased on shorter routes.
Thailand flights increase in total surcharge
The fuel surcharge is incorporated into the so-called YR surcharge of the ticket. This is a surcharge imposed by the carrier itself for fuel, security, or other operational costs. For a return ticket from Amsterdam to Bangkok, that surcharge has now risen to 300 euros. As a result, travelers to Thailand are directly confronted with the rising costs.
For a return ticket from Amsterdam to New York, that surcharge amounts to as much as 350 euros. This shows how strongly the extra costs impact the total ticket price. Anyone flying to Thailand therefore pays more not only due to the increased fuel surcharge itself, but also notices that additional carrier surcharges now make up a large part of the price.
The sharp rise in kerosene prices is now having a severe impact on KLM's ticket costs. Travelers to Thailand, in particular, are feeling this directly in their wallets. As long as tensions in the Middle East persist and fuel prices remain high, cheaper flights seem unlikely for the time being.
Source: Luchtvaartnews.nl
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I already booked my ticket to Thailand in January. The question is, does that fuel surcharge also apply to me? Because I made a booking with KLM in advance.