TORONTO — It’s up, it’s down and now it’s back up again.

Porter Airlines has reinstated its original $40 fuel surcharge on VIPorter reward flights, as oil prices surge in the wake of renewed tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Porter first announced its $40 temporary fuel surcharge for VIPorter reward flight redemptions back in March. The extra fee was implemented to offset soaring global aviation fuel prices.

In June, as the fuel market began to normalize, Porter reduced its fuel surcharge to $20.

Now the full $40 fee is back.

The airline issued the update in an email sent to VIPorter clients.

“In June, we were pleased to reduce the fuel surcharge on VIPorter reward flights to $20, moving toward our goal of eliminating it entirely. We truly hoped our next update would confirm that full removal,” said Porter.

“However, the global oil market has since experienced unexpected and sharp price increases. To ensure we can continue offering the full value of your VIPorter points during this period of rising jet fuel prices, we must temporarily readjust the surcharge to $40.

“This is not the direction we wanted to take. While these recent market shifts have stalled our progress in removing the surcharge, our commitment remains unchanged. We plan to remove it entirely when market conditions allow.”

The update applies only to new VIPorter reward bookings made as of July 17, 2026. All existing bookings remain fully protected at their original rates. Porter is also reminding travellers that there is no fuel surcharge for regular bookings made without redeeming points.

Travelweek spoke to travel advisors about airline fuel surcharges and the impact on client bookings in the latest issue of Travelweek.