United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
BA hikes surcharge again
British Airways is to increase its fuel surcharge for the fifth time on long haul flights following the ecslating cost of oil.
Singapore Airlines has also raised its surcharge.
From Monday, BA will charge £30 per sector – £60 for a return trip – up from £24 per sector. Short haul flights will remain unchanged at £8 per sector, £16 on a return journey.
BA commercial director Martin George insisted the airline had no choice but to pass the rising cost of fuel onto customers after the price of oil hit $70 a barrel in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
“Our fuel costs remain a real burden,” he said. “Our fuel bill of around £1.6 billion is now our second largest costs after employee costs. The latest fuel surcharge is regrettable but we have little choice but to pass some of our extra costs onto our customers. It now costs 400% more than it did in December 2001 to fill a plane.”
He argued it was better to be upfront about the charges rather than hiding the costs by raising fares behind the scenes “like some other airlines do.”
BA first introduced fuel surcharges back in May 2004 when a £5 levy was introduced for short and long haul flights. In August it increased to £12 for a return flight, in October to £20, in March this year to £32 and June to £48.
Singapore meanwhile said it would increase its surcharge by $10 to $100 for a return flight.
Report by Steve Jones
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel