The European Commission (EC) has confirmed that airlines are prohibited from adding fuel surcharges to flights that have already been paid for, provided the ticket was purchased within the European Union. This ruling reinforces existing regulations that require carriers to display final prices upfront and prohibits any retroactive adjustments.
EC Statement on Pricing Transparency
According to the EC website, airlines must adhere to the Air Services Regulation, which ensures transparent pricing of airfares. The regulation mandates that final ticket prices be disclosed at the point of sale, meaning carriers cannot later impose additional fees linked to fuel surcharges. The EC further clarified that passengers affected by cancellations retain their full air passenger rights, including entitlements to reimbursement, re-routing, or return, along with assistance at airports and compensation for last-minute cancellations. However, airlines may be exempt from financial compensation if they can prove extraordinary circumstances caused the cancellation. Notably, the EC emphasized that high fuel prices do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances.
Context of the Jet Fuel Crisis
The announcement comes amid concerns over fuel shortages exacerbated by the conflict in Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for oil tankers. Jet fuel prices have surged, doubling from approximately $100 per barrel in late February to around $200 per barrel by early April. In response, the EC has outlined additional measures to mitigate the crisis, including potential exemptions from the 90% fuel uplift rule under ReFuelEU Aviation, which requires airlines departing from EU airports to refuel most of their annual requirement at a specific EU hub. Airlines may also be relieved from standard slot usage obligations at airports facing fuel supply issues.
Case of Volotea and Industry Reactions
The ruling follows action by Spanish budget airline Volotea, which had charged customers an extra fee of up to €14 per ticket after purchase, citing fuel surcharges. The EC's prohibition now prevents such practices. Several UK airlines have already pledged not to impose surcharges. Jet2 confirmed it will not add surcharges on any booked flights or holidays, guaranteeing that the price at booking is the final price. Similarly, One Traveller, a solo escorted tour operator for the over-50s, announced a price guarantee for bookings made before 18 May, covering any potential fuel surcharge increases. The company has also extended its Deposit Guarantee Scheme to all holidays booked before 18 May 2026.
Other travel companies, including On the Beach, BA Holidays, Trailfinders, Destination2, Kuoni, Jet2holidays, Olympic Holidays, and Beachcomber Tours, have assured Which? that they will not introduce unexpected surcharges. LoveHolidays stated it has never imposed surcharges and has no plans to do so. LastMinute.com, however, said it would not surcharge but could not guarantee that customers would not face additional costs from airlines.
Warnings from Some Carriers
Conversely, some airlines have indicated they may need to reassess pricing if the situation persists. IAG, the parent company of British Airways, acknowledged the sharp rise in fuel prices and the limitations of its hedging strategy. A spokesperson noted that IAG airlines are making pricing adjustments to reflect higher fuel costs and called for government flexibility, including slot alleviation, to help airlines manage sustained cost challenges while maintaining operations.
