Korean airlines to impose higher fuel surcharges on int'l routes next month

South Korea's airlines will impose higher fuel surcharges on international passengers next month due to an increase in jet fuel prices, industry sources said Tuesday.

Local airlines didn't impose fuel surcharges on long-haul routes from May to September as the average price of jet fuel remained below the benchmark $1.50 per gallon.

But they imposed fuel surcharges on international routes this month as the average fuel price went above the number.

Fuel surcharges on international routes will rise by up to 20,400 won (US$18) in November from the current maximum of 9,600 won for this month, according to airline officials.

The average jet fuel price of $1.63 per gallon, the basis for next month's fuel surcharges, is up from last month's basis of $1.54, they said.

Local airlines are usually allowed to impose a fuel surcharge on a monthly basis when the average jet fuel price hovers above $1.50 a gallon, though the surcharges vary depending on travel distance. (Yonhap)