BANGKOK – Thai Airways International (THAI) has jacked up ticket prices by about 10% to 15% on several routes, with the change taking effect right away on select tickets. The airline says higher jet fuel prices, tied to growing tensions in the Middle East, are pushing costs up fast. At the same time, Thai Airways is seeing heavy demand as travelers shift away from disrupted routes in the region.
Chief Financial and Accounting Officer Cherdchom Therdsteerasukdi confirmed the update. He said Thai Airways has started lifting base fares to match the sharp rise in fuel expenses. Airline executives added that jet fuel prices have climbed close to double in recent weeks, so the company moved quickly to protect margins.
What’s Driving the Fare Increase
The biggest factor is the spike in global jet fuel prices, made worse by instability in the Middle East. In volatile periods, industry benchmarks have placed jet fuel around $150 to $200 per barrel, well above earlier levels near $85 to $90.
In Thailand, Jet A1 has been quoted at about $86.4 per barrel (early March 2026). Still, airlines can face higher effective costs because of spot market swings and added surcharges. Thai Airways Chai Eamsiri said fuel, one of the airline’s largest expenses, has surged by close to 100% on some measures as supply risks grow.
Meanwhile, Thai Airways is also using its existing fuel surcharge system, in coordination with the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Executives said surcharges could rise again if oil prices keep climbing.
Other Thai Airlines Feel the Same Pressure
Thai Airways is not alone. Airlines across Thailand and the region are also reacting to fuel price volatility.
- Low-cost and regional carriers in Thailand are expected to pass on higher costs through increased base fares or added fees. Public updates from competitors like Bangkok Airways or Nok Air remain limited.
- Other Asian airlines flying to and from Thailand have also raised fares or added fuel surcharges. In some cases, carriers have paused routes or adjusted outlooks because fuel prices remain unstable.
Overall, airlines are testing how much higher pricing travelers will accept while demand stays strong.
Aviation Fuel Prices in Thailand Right Now
Thailand’s jet fuel pricing closely follows global benchmarks. Recent figures show:
- Jet A1 per barrel: About $86.4 (early March 2026)
- Per metric ton: Roughly $682.6
- Per liter: Around $0.547
Even so, what airlines actually pay depends on hedging, supply contracts, and sudden spot market jumps. The Middle East conflict has lifted global averages, with Platts-indexed jet fuel reaching about $157 per barrel or more in recent weekly checks, almost double prior levels. Thailand has not reported immediate shortages, but price swings remain a concern.
Travel Demand Stays High Even With Higher Prices
Even with the Thai Airways fare hike, bookings remain strong. THAI reports solid advance demand, especially on European routes. Seat loads on some long-haul flights have reached about 90% in March.
This boost is tied to travelers avoiding Middle Eastern hubs due to disruptions and safety worries. As a result, more passengers are choosing alternate routings, which is pushing up demand on certain THAI services.
Thailand’s tourism industry also started 2026 with strong momentum. Early-year arrivals have topped 7 million visitors, bringing billions of baht into the economy. However, ongoing geopolitical tension has slowed weekly growth, and some forecasts warn arrivals could slip if disruptions drag on.
What Higher Airfares Could Mean for Thai Tourism
Rising Thailand airline ticket prices could affect a tourism-driven economy that depends on easy, affordable access.
Here are the main risks:
- Long-haul markets (Europe, the Middle East, Australia) could soften if higher prices and longer routings deter travelers.
- Short-haul regional trips (ASEAN) may hold up better, as airlines adjust sales efforts and capacity.
- Economic impact: If issues continue, estimates point to hundreds of thousands fewer visitors and revenue losses in the tens of billions of baht.
- 2026 outlook: The year began with confidence in post-pandemic growth, but fuel-driven price increases may strain budgets for cost-aware travelers.
Tourism officials continue to focus on adapting, with more attention on domestic travel and nearby markets. Many industry voices also suggest booking early to lock in current rates before further changes.
THAI executives also advise travelers to buy sooner rather than later, especially for European flights where seats are filling quickly.
As airlines manage higher fuel bills and shifting travel patterns, the next few months will show how well demand holds up against rising costs.
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