Fuel Surge Hits Korean Air, United, Cathay Pacific

A surge in jet fuel prices, driven by Middle East tensions, hammers Korean Air, United Airlines, and Cathay Pacific with record-high surcharges. Cathay Pacific raises fuel fees by 34% on all flights effective April 1, 2026, adding up to US$400 on round-trip long-haul sectors like Los Angeles to Hong Kong. Jet fuel now costs US$197 per barrel, double the pre-conflict price from February. This marks Cathay's second hike in two weeks, following a 105% jump on March 18.