A growing global fuel crisis is forcing airlines to cut routes, raise fares and reduce capacity, with Fiji Airways becoming the latest carrier to scale back Australian operations.
The airline has confirmed it will temporarily suspend its FJ922 and FJ923 services between Fiji and Brisbane from April 25, citing soaring fuel costs as the primary reason.
The move comes amid mounting pressure across the aviation sector, with airlines warning travellers to expect fewer flight options and higher ticket prices as fuel prices continue to surge.
Australia’s major carriers are also feeling the strain. Qantas has announced it will scrap its Adelaide to Mount Gambier route from May 18, describing the service as “no longer viable” under current conditions.
Meanwhile, Virgin Australia has flagged fare increases and a reduction in capacity by about one per cent over the next quarter to offset rising operating costs.
Fuel has become one of the biggest cost pressures for airlines, accounting for around 21 per cent of Virgin Australia’s total expenses. The carrier said it consumed 3.4 million barrels of fuel in the first half of 2026 alone.
Despite hedging most of its fuel needs, Virgin expects costs to exceed earlier forecasts by up to $40 million.
Qantas has issued an even starker warning, estimating its fuel bill for the second half of the financial year could reach between $3.1 billion and $3.3 billion — up to $800 million higher than previous projections.
The airline group has already begun trimming domestic capacity by around five per cent, while also signalling potential further adjustments as global fuel markets remain volatile.
Jet fuel prices have more than doubled since late February, driven by supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions, with refinery margins skyrocketing from around $US20 to $US120 per barrel.
Airlines say they are working closely with governments and suppliers to maintain fuel availability, but uncertainty remains.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
