International Aviation Fuel Surges 122%; CAA: 52.6 Flights Canceled Weekly in May
Due to Middle East tensions, international aviation fuel prices have skyrocketed by 122%. Taiwan's CAA reports that airlines will cancel an average of 52.6 flights per week in May (1.7% of total flights) to cope with the severe increase in operating costs.
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- 📰 Published: April 15, 2026 at 12:14
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(CNA Reporter Yu Hsiao-han, Taipei, 15th) According to international route aviation fuel prices published by CPC Corporation, the price has reached 1.2816 USD per liter (approx. 41 TWD), an increase of 122% compared to before the outbreak of the Middle East conflict. The Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) estimates that 52.6 flights will be canceled per week in May, accounting for about 1.7% of total flights.
The Transportation Committee of the Legislative Yuan today invited Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai and others to present a special report and take questions on 'Evaluating the Impact of Surging International Oil Prices due to the Middle East Situation on Taiwan's Land, Sea, and Air Transportation and Coping Strategies'.
According to the written report submitted by the Ministry of Transportation, the international aviation fuel price announced by CPC on April 1 had reached 1.2816 USD per liter, up 122% from before the war; domestic route aviation fuel is 44.2 TWD per liter, also up 116%, causing a massive increase in airline operating costs.
The Ministry pointed out that currently, fuel supplies from CPC and Formosa Plastics remain normal. However, airports in a few countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines have seen fuel suppliers implementing restrictions, not allowing refueling exceeding the historical monthly average, though it's not a complete ban on refueling in those countries. Therefore, at this stage, the primary impact on airline operations is the drastic increase in fuel costs.
Kuomintang Legislator Wan Mei-ling stated during her interpellation that in response to oil price fluctuations, airlines are adjusting flights through reductions and consolidations. According to CAA statistics, the summer schedule averages 3,029 flights per week. As of April 13, 7.3 flights were canceled per week in April (about 0.2% of the total); but in May, 52.6 flights will be canceled per week, representing 1.7% of the total. In July and August, 1 flight per week is expected to be canceled.
Wan Mei-ling pointed out that the peak season for overseas travel is approaching. The airlines' reduction and consolidation measures will heavily impact travelers. Can it be guaranteed that flights won't be further reduced during the peak season?
Chen Shih-kai responded that the Ministry of Transportation cannot order airlines not to cut flights, but will understand their difficulties. If assistance can be provided, the government will help to minimize flight reductions and will increase communication with airlines. (Editor: Wu Su-jou)
The Transportation Committee of the Legislative Yuan today invited Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai and others to present a special report and take questions on 'Evaluating the Impact of Surging International Oil Prices due to the Middle East Situation on Taiwan's Land, Sea, and Air Transportation and Coping Strategies'.
According to the written report submitted by the Ministry of Transportation, the international aviation fuel price announced by CPC on April 1 had reached 1.2816 USD per liter, up 122% from before the war; domestic route aviation fuel is 44.2 TWD per liter, also up 116%, causing a massive increase in airline operating costs.
The Ministry pointed out that currently, fuel supplies from CPC and Formosa Plastics remain normal. However, airports in a few countries like Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines have seen fuel suppliers implementing restrictions, not allowing refueling exceeding the historical monthly average, though it's not a complete ban on refueling in those countries. Therefore, at this stage, the primary impact on airline operations is the drastic increase in fuel costs.
Kuomintang Legislator Wan Mei-ling stated during her interpellation that in response to oil price fluctuations, airlines are adjusting flights through reductions and consolidations. According to CAA statistics, the summer schedule averages 3,029 flights per week. As of April 13, 7.3 flights were canceled per week in April (about 0.2% of the total); but in May, 52.6 flights will be canceled per week, representing 1.7% of the total. In July and August, 1 flight per week is expected to be canceled.
Wan Mei-ling pointed out that the peak season for overseas travel is approaching. The airlines' reduction and consolidation measures will heavily impact travelers. Can it be guaranteed that flights won't be further reduced during the peak season?
Chen Shih-kai responded that the Ministry of Transportation cannot order airlines not to cut flights, but will understand their difficulties. If assistance can be provided, the government will help to minimize flight reductions and will increase communication with airlines. (Editor: Wu Su-jou)