Caribbean Airlines raises ticket costs amid global fuel price surge

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) has introduced a new fuel surcharge on all regional and international tickets, effective for purchases made on or after April 10, 2026.

The surcharge ranges from US$15 to US$25 per sector, depending on the route, and will appear in the taxes and fees portion of ticket prices.

Passengers who purchased tickets before April 10 will not be affected, and domestic flights operating solely between Trinidad and Tobago are fully exempt from the new fee.

The airline was clear that base fares remain unchanged — but with the surcharge added, travellers across the Caribbean and beyond will be paying more overall. CAL stated the charge is designed to offset only a portion of its rising operational costs, with the airline continuing to absorb a significant share to cushion the financial impact on passengers.

The move comes as global jet fuel prices have skyrocketed amid the ongoing US-Israel-Iran geopolitical conflict. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), average jet fuel prices surged to US$195.19 per barrel by end of March 2026 — a staggering 96.4 per cent jump from US$99.40 just a month earlier. Fuel now accounts for approximately 50% of airline operating costs, nearly double the typical 27%.

CAL is not alone. Major international carriers including Air India, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Emirates, and WestJet have rolled out similar surcharges, while at least five US carriers — including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines — have raised baggage fees by US$10. Caribbean Airlines confirmed no decision has been made on baggage fee increases, though it continues to review its cost structure.

• Fuel surcharge of US$15–US$25 per sector applies to all regional and international tickets purchased on or after April 10, 2026 • Domestic Trinidad and Tobago flights are exempt from the surcharge • Tickets purchased before April 10 are not affected • CAL’s base fares remain unchanged; surcharge appears in taxes and fees • Global jet fuel prices rose 96.4% to US$195.19 per barrel by end of March 2026 • Jet fuel now accounts for 50% of airline operating costs, up from the typical 27% • CAL says it will continue absorbing a significant portion of fuel costs • CAL confirmed no decision has been made on baggage fee increases. (Republished from Caribbean 360)