Oman Air Cargo has announced the implementation of new fuel and war risk surcharges across its global network, citing escalating operational costs linked to Middle East geopolitical instability and continued volatility in aviation fuel markets.
The Muscat-based carrier confirmed that both surcharges will take effect from 18 March, applying to all shipments originating from, destined for, or transiting through its network. The move reflects mounting financial pressures on airlines operating in regions affected by heightened security risks and fluctuating fuel prices.
According to the airline, the decision is driven by a combination of rising insurance premiums and increased security-related expenditures associated with operating in conflict-affected or high-risk airspace. These factors, coupled with unpredictable fuel price movements, have significantly impacted cost structures for air cargo operators.
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The war risk surcharge will be calculated on a per-kilogram basis, using the chargeable weight specified on the Master Air Waybill. Meanwhile, the fuel surcharge will be benchmarked against the US Gulf Coast Jet A1 price per gallon, with data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. The airline noted that this component will be reviewed on a weekly basis to reflect real-time shifts in global fuel pricing.
Oman Air Cargo emphasized that both surcharges will remain under continuous review, allowing for adjustments in response to evolving market dynamics, insurance costs, and the broader geopolitical environment.
The announcement comes amid a surge in operational activity at Muscat International Airport, which has experienced increased traffic in recent weeks. The uptick has been driven not only by passenger demand but also by a notable rise in cargo volumes, as shippers seek alternative routing options in response to regional disruptions.
Additional flight frequencies introduced by Oman Air have provided the carrier with expanded cargo capacity, enabling it to accommodate shifting demand patterns. In particular, logistics providers moving freight out of the UAE and surrounding markets have increasingly turned to Oman as a stable transit point, leveraging the airline’s network to maintain supply chain continuity.
Industry observers note that the introduction of such surcharges is becoming a common response among carriers operating in volatile regions, as they seek to balance cost recovery with service reliability. For shippers, however, the added charges underscore the growing financial and operational complexities of navigating global air freight amid geopolitical uncertainty.
As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, Oman Air Cargo’s pricing adjustments highlight the broader challenges facing the air cargo industry—where fuel economics, risk exposure, and supply chain resilience are becoming ever more tightly intertwined.
