If you are an expat in Japan planning a trip home, or a tourist booking flights to Japan — the price you pay is about to jump significantly. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have confirmed major fuel surcharge increases taking effect on June tickets, driven by the surge in global jet fuel prices following the Hormuz conflict. Here is what the numbers look like and what you should do right now.
Why are Japan international flights getting more expensive in 2026?
Fuel surcharges on Japanese carriers are calculated bimonthly based on the average price of Singapore kerosene jet fuel. Fuel costs account for 30–40% of airline operating expenses — the most volatile major cost airlines face. Since the escalation of the Iran conflict and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz in early 2026, global oil prices have spiked sharply. Japan imports approximately 95% of its crude oil from the Middle East, making JAL and ANA among the world’s most exposed carriers to Middle East energy disruption. The April–May 2026 surcharges were set before the Hormuz situation worsened significantly. The June–July adjustment reflects the full impact.
How much more will international flights from Japan cost from June 2026?
| Route | ANA Apr–May | ANA Jun–Jul | JAL Apr–May | JAL Jun–Jul |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe / North America | ¥31,900 | ¥55,000 (+¥23,100) | ¥29,000 | ¥50,000 (+¥21,000) |
| China / Taiwan | ¥9,400 | ¥14,300 (+¥4,900) | ¥7,400 | ¥12,400 (+¥5,000) |
| South Korea | ¥3,300 | ¥6,500 (+¥3,200) | ¥3,000 | ¥5,900 (+¥2,900) |
These are one-way surcharges per person. A return trip to Europe from Japan in June–July could add ¥100,000–110,000 in fuel surcharges alone before touching the base fare.
Japan departure tax also triples in 2026
On top of fuel surcharges, Japan’s international departure tax triples in 2026 — from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per passenger. This is automatically added to all international flight tickets departing Japan. It applies to everyone regardless of nationality, age (with limited exceptions), or ticket class.
When is the best time to book to avoid higher costs?
Book now if you can. Tickets issued in April and May 2026 carry current lower surcharge levels. From June 1, the new rates apply. If you are planning travel in Q3 or Q4 2026, the surcharges for those periods are set closer to the time — they depend on whether Hormuz and global oil prices stabilise. Booking flexible/refundable tickets now and adjusting later if surcharges drop is a reasonable strategy for longer-horizon travel plans.
Do fuel surcharges apply to award tickets?
It depends on the airline and partner programme. JAL and ANA award tickets booked directly with the carrier typically include fuel surcharges. However, booking JAL flights through certain partner programmes — such as American Airlines AAdvantage — has historically waived surcharges. This remains one of the few ways to avoid the surcharge. Check the specific terms of your mileage programme before booking.
What budget airline options exist from Japan?
- Zipair (JAL subsidiary): Tokyo to Seoul, Bangkok, LA, Vancouver, London — lower base fares on medium and long-haul
- Peach Aviation: Asia routes from Osaka and Tokyo
- Jetstar Japan: Asia routes
- Spring Japan: Budget carrier, Asia-focused
Budget carriers also apply fuel surcharges but often at lower absolute amounts. The gap between budget and full-service narrows when surcharges are high, but Asia routes with Zipair and Peach remain competitively priced even with the June increases.
Rising costs hitting your expat life in Japan?
Energy bills, rice prices, flights — 2026 is hitting household budgets hard. TIFE’s 35,000+ member community shares practical knowledge about managing life in Japan. Come to an event and connect with people who get it.
See TIFE Events →Japan flights 2026 — quick reference
- When hike starts: June 2026 ticket issuances
- ANA Europe/North America: +¥23,100 → ¥55,000 total one-way surcharge
- JAL Europe/North America: +¥21,000 → ¥50,000 total one-way surcharge
- Korea routes: Surcharge approximately doubles
- Departure tax: ¥1,000 → ¥3,000 per person in 2026
- Why: Hormuz crisis driving jet fuel prices to record levels
- Action now: Book April/May tickets before June surcharge applies
- Award tickets: Check partner programme rules — some waive surcharges
- Budget options: Zipair, Peach, Jetstar Japan, Spring Japan
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