국제선 유류할증료 다시 오른다…9월부터 대한항공 미주 왕복 19만원 인상

As international fuel prices soar, so too do the taxes on international flights, with the taxes set to increase in September. After rising four months in a row, passengers can expect the impact of higher airfare costs as they prepare for international travel. According to industry explanations, the September increase in international fuel taxes will be a seven-step climb to 21 steps compared to the previous month.

While fuel taxes had peaked at 33 steps in May, they have since dropped over three consecutive months, reaching 14 steps this month, before climbing again four months later due to prolonged military tension in the Middle East. Based on calculations for the period of July 16th to August 15th, the average price of Singapore Airlines fuel (MOPS) was 355.46 cents per gallon (149.29 dollars per barrel), a 25.4% jump from the previous month's average of 283.48 cents per gallon (119.06 dollars per barrel).

Consequently, individual airlines have also raised their fuel taxes in unison. For South Korean carrier Korean Air, the September international fuel tax for one-way tickets ranges from 4,800 to 35,400 won depending on the distance, a 36% increase from August's range of 3,200 to 25,920 won. Long-haul routes (6,500 to 9,999 miles) will see an increase of 9,480 won on a round-trip ticket, or approximately 19,000 won in total.

Short-haul routes (500 miles or less) will see an increase from 4,200 to 4,800 won. Japan's Fukuoka and China's Chongqing, among other shorter routes, will also see an increase from 4,200 to 4,800 won. Meanwhile, Asia Pacific Airlines will also implement the 21-step increase, with its round-trip fuel tax ranging from 5,200 to 29,100 won.

Compared to August's 14-step standard, the increase amounts to 42.1% and 43.0%, respectively. Industry sources note that recent tensions in the Hormuz Strait have driven international fuel prices to new heights, and the instability of fuel prices continues to be closely monitored. Fuel taxes, which are applied based on the departure day rather than the departure date, are additional charges on top of the base fare.