GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Sep 19, 2026
Fuel surcharge (air freight)
The fuel surcharge (FSC) in air freight, known in German as Kerosinzuschlag, is levied by airlines on top of the base rate to pass on fluctuations in jet fuel prices without renegotiating air freight rates each time.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/economics/fuel-monitor/
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Definition & Explanation
The fuel surcharge (FSC) in air freight, known in German as Kerosinzuschlag, is levied by airlines on top of the base rate to pass on fluctuations in jet fuel prices without renegotiating air freight rates each time. It is usually charged per kilogram of chargeable weight rather than as a percentage of the freight amount. Many airlines link the surcharge to a published jet fuel price index and adjust it in steps on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis; reference periods and steps differ between airlines. Forwarders usually pass the surcharge on to their customers as a separate line item. It is distinct from the security surcharge, which covers screening and control costs.
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