Why Flights Are Getting More Expensive Right Now

If you’ve been searching for flights lately and noticed prices creeping up, you’re not imagining it.

Airlines in Canada and around the world are starting to raise fares as the cost of jet fuel climbs sharply. The spike is tied to the ongoing war in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply and pushed fuel prices higher almost overnight.

For travellers, that means airfare may get more expensive in the coming weeks and months, especially for long haul routes like Europe and Asia.

Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes and what it could mean for your next trip.

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Jet Fuel Is Airlines’ Biggest Expense

Fuel is typically the single largest operating cost for airlines.

When oil prices rise quickly, airlines feel the impact almost immediately. Unlike many other industries, airlines cannot easily stockpile fuel months in advance. Most of it is purchased as it is needed, meaning price spikes can show up in airline costs almost right away.

Since the start of the conflict on February 28, the price of jet fuel has surged dramatically. According to data from the International Air Transport Association, the cost of jet fuel jumped more than 58 percent in just over a week, rising from about $99 USD per barrel to over $157 USD.

That kind of increase puts significant pressure on airlines, especially since profit margins in the industry are already thin, often only around three to four percent.

When costs jump that quickly, airlines typically have two options. They can absorb the increase and reduce their profits, or they can pass some of those costs on to travellers.

More often than not, they do a bit of both.

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Canadian Airlines Are Already Adjusting Prices

Some airlines have already begun adjusting fares.

Air Transat confirmed that it has increased fuel surcharges on flights to Europe. The airline also raised fares on peak travel dates and on routes where there is less competition, which gives it more flexibility to adjust prices.

In addition, the airline recently increased surcharges by about $25 on flight segments departing Canada and roughly €15 on segments departing Europe.

Air Canada has also indicated that its pricing continues to adjust to reflect higher fuel costs.

Other Canadian carriers are monitoring the situation closely. WestJet has said that rising fuel prices are already making flights more expensive to operate and that further pricing adjustments may be necessary if costs remain high.

For travellers, the changes may not always appear as a clear “fuel surcharge.” Airlines often blend these increases into the total ticket price or into broader carrier fees.

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Airlines Around the World Are Doing the Same

This is not just happening in Canada.

Airlines across the globe have started raising fares or introducing additional fuel surcharges to offset rising costs. Some carriers have already doubled certain surcharges.

For example, Cathay Pacific recently announced that fuel surcharges on tickets purchased in Canada would jump from around $101 to $202.60 starting in on March 18th, 2026.

Major carriers in Europe, Asia, and Australia have also signalled fare increases.

Even airlines that hedge fuel prices, a strategy that locks in prices in advance, are only partially protected. Hedging usually covers only a portion of an airline’s fuel needs, so prolonged price spikes eventually affect most carriers.

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Long Haul Flights Could Be Hit Hardest

If airfare increases continue, the biggest impact will likely be felt on long haul routes.

Flights to destinations like Europe and Asia burn significantly more fuel than shorter domestic routes. As a result, they are more sensitive to fuel price increases.

Aviation experts estimate that if fuel prices stay elevated, travellers could see fares to Europe rise by roughly $100 to $200, while flights to Asia could increase by as much as $400 in some cases.

That does not mean every ticket will jump overnight, but it does suggest that the upward pressure on prices is real.

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There Is Another Factor Driving Costs

Fuel prices are not the only challenge right now.

Airspace closures and regional instability in the Middle East are forcing some flights to take longer routes to avoid conflict zones. Longer routes mean more fuel burn, which increases operating costs even further.

For airlines already dealing with volatile fuel prices, that adds another layer of financial pressure.

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What Travellers Can Do

The short answer is that travellers cannot control fuel prices, but there are a few ways to stay ahead of rising airfare.

First, remember that once you book a ticket, the price cannot change later. If airlines increase fares next week, your existing booking is protected.

Second, this is one situation where booking earlier can sometimes help. If airlines expect higher costs ahead, future fares may gradually rise to reflect those expenses.

Finally, flexibility continues to be one of the best tools for finding deals. Being open to different travel dates or departure cities can help offset price increases.

If you need help finding the cheapest flights available, make sure you are subscribed to my free newsletter. Twice a week I share the best flight deals I can find from major cities across Canada. Click here to subscribe.

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The Bottom Line

Airfare prices move for many reasons, but fuel is one of the biggest drivers.

With jet fuel costs rising sharply due to disruptions in global oil supply, airlines are already starting to adjust fares. If the situation continues, travellers may see higher ticket prices heading into the busy summer travel season.

The good news is that flight deals still exist, and airlines continue to compete for passengers. But in the short term, the era of ultra cheap flights may face a bit of turbulence.

If you have a trip in mind for this year, it might be worth keeping an eye on prices and booking when you see something that works for your plans.