Refer China: China Domestic Airfares ： Fuel Surcharges Rise From October 10

China domestic airfares increase from October 10, 2026, as fuel surcharges rise by RMB 10 to RMB 50 for short routes and RMB 90 for long routes per segment.

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China Domestic Airfares ： Fuel Surcharges Rise From October 10

Flying in China? Domestic Airfares Get More Expensive from October 10

Passengers checking in at a Chinese airport. File image: Beijing Daily

Buying a domestic flight in China will cost a little more from October 10, 2026, as airlines raise their passenger fuel surcharges.

The change applies to tickets issued from midnight on October 10 —not simply to flights departing after that date.

The new charges

800 KM OR LESS

RMB 50

per segment

OVER 800 KM

RMB 90

per segment

The increase is RMB 10 on shorter routes and RMB 20 on longer ones.

A round trip involving two long-distance flight segments will therefore carry RMB 180 in fuel surcharges alone.

The ticket issue date matters

The new amount is based on the ticket's original issue date.

If your domestic ticket is issued before October 10, the airline will not collect the difference simply because your flight departs—or is changed—on or after October 10. Hainan Airlines and Air China both state that previously issued domestic tickets will not be recalculated under the new standard when changed later.

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If you already have firm travel plans, completing the purchase before the new rate takes effect may save RMB 10 or RMB 20 per flight segment.

What about children and infants?

Infants: exempt on eligible infant tickets.

Children: RMB 20 for routes up to 800 kilometres and RMB 40 for longer routes.

International tickets: calculated separately by the airline's booking system.

Why does the amount keep changing?

China's domestic aviation fuel surcharge is linked to aviation fuel costs and can move up or down during the year.

The latest adjustment ends three consecutive reductions. The surcharge had fallen to RMB 40 and RMB 70 after reaching this year's high of RMB 90 and RMB 170 in May.

When comparing flights, check the final payment page rather than looking only at the advertised base fare. The surcharge is added by flight segment, so a connecting itinerary may include it more than once.

Source: 北京日报

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