Qantas says it's increasing fares this week on intl routes

Qantas Airways has joined a broader industry trend of fare adjustments on international routes amid surging jet fuel prices linked to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Jet fuel costs, previously ranging between $85 and $90 per barrel, have climbed to $150–$200 per barrel, prompting airlines to pass on expenses to passengers. While Qantas has not issued a formal announcement, its shares reflected market volatility, rising over 1% on March 10 after dropping 4.5% the prior day as oil prices retreated slightly following comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting a potential conflict resolution.

The airline's fare adjustments align with actions taken by peers such as Air New Zealand, which raised one-way economy fares by NZ$20 on short-haul international services and NZ$90 on long-haul routes. Qantas frequent flyer members have also reported sudden price fluctuations for domestic flights, with one customer noting a spike from $612 to $942 during booking. While dynamic pricing is standard in the industry, such volatility has intensified amid geopolitical uncertainty and capacity constraints.

Fuel remains the second-largest operating expense for airlines, accounting for 20–25% of costs. Qantas, like other carriers, faces pressure to balance fuel expenses with demand management, particularly as travelers reassess plans ahead of peak summer travel. The airline's response to sustained high fuel prices will likely influence its financial outlook and operational strategy in the coming months.

[^NUMBER] citations reference Reuters and Yahoo Finance reports dated March 10, 2026.