Starting April 5, China domestic flight fuel surcharges jump 500%: 60 RMB for ≤800km, 120 RMB for >800km. Book before Sunday to lock in current lower rates, even for future travel.
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China's Domestic Flight Fuel Surcharges to Skyrocket 500% This Sunday
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If you have been eyeing a domestic getaway for the upcoming May Day holiday, for example, you have less than four days to lock in your tickets before travel costs take a sharp turn upward.
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Starting April 5, the fuel surcharge for domestic flights across China is set for a massive 500% increase—a sudden shift that has travelers scrambling to book their seats before the weekend deadline. On April 1, major carriers including China United and Xiamen Air confirmed that the fees are about to jump from a nominal charge to a significant expense for every passenger.
The new pricing structure creates two distinct tiers based on the length of the journey. For shorter flights of 800 kilometers or less, the current 10 RMB surcharge will jump to 60 RMB. Travelers on longer routes exceeding 800 kilometers will feel a much larger impact, as their fee rises from 20 RMB to 120 RMB.
While some airlines like Spring Airlines had previously hinted at a hike, the official announcements have now set a clear, urgent benchmark for what passengers can expect to pay if they wait too long to hit the "buy" button.
The most practical detail for travelers to keep in mind is that these surcharges are based on the original ticket issuance date. If you secure your ticket before the April 5 deadline, you will pay the current lower rate, even if your actual flight takes place later in the month. If you buy your ticket before April 5 and later decide to change your flight to a new date, you won't be required to pay the difference in the fuel fee.
This "lock-in" rule has become a major topic on social media, with many travelers opting to finalize their bookings a few days early to avoid the extra costs.
This domestic price adjustment is largely a reaction to the same pressures that recently drove up international flight costs. Over the past few weeks, airlines like China Southern and Juneyao Air have already moved to increase surcharges on overseas routes, with some fees doubling for destinations like the United States and Australia.
The underlying cause remains the volatility of the international oil market, fueled by shipping constraints in the Strait of Hormuz and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Since aviation fuel accounts for roughly 30% of an airline's total operating costs, these global fluctuations have a direct impact on the prices seen at checkout.
With the Qingming and May Day holidays approaching, the timing of the hike is likely to be felt by many. Despite the upcoming price increase, the demand for travel remains high; current data suggests that May Day flight bookings are already up nearly 20% compared to the same period last year. For residents in China who have been weighing their options for a spring break, the current window offers a chance to secure travel at the lower rate before the new fees officially take flight this Sunday.
Source: 新京报
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