AirAsia cancels all flight fuel surcharges starting today; flights to Australia now save you 2,940 yuan

▲ AirAsia announces the complete removal of fuel surcharges. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

Reported by Chen Ruizhong / Taipei

Due to the drop in international fuel prices, AirAsia announced that starting January 26, 2015, it will eliminate fuel surcharges on all seats across all its flights, including those of AirAsia X long-haul, Thai AirAsia X long-haul, and Indonesia AirAsia X long-haul. For example, passengers flying from Taipei to Kuala Lumpur can now save 1,290 yuan in fuel surcharges per one-way trip.

AirAsia was the first airline to cancel fuel surcharges on both domestic and international flights in Malaysia back in 2008, but reintroduced them in 2011 due to soaring oil prices. Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer of AirAsia, stated that the policy to waive fuel surcharges was established in November 2014, and he believes this move will reduce travel costs and significantly boost the tourism industry.

Fuel surcharges vary depending on flight distance and are charged in addition to the base ticket fare. Fu Meilian, AirAsia Taiwan spokesperson, said that previously, the fuel surcharge for flights to Sabah was 500 yuan, to Kuala Lumpur 1,290 yuan, and to Australia 2,940 yuan. With the removal of fuel surcharges, AirAsia’s one-way fares start at 1,190 yuan from Taipei to Sabah and Kuala Lumpur, 3,090 yuan from Taipei to Langkawi, Penang, and Jakarta, and 4,690 yuan from Taipei to Perth, Melbourne, and the Gold Coast.