British Airways is to more than double its fuel surcharge for long-haul passengers because of the continuing increase in the price of oil.
From Wednesday, the charge for a single long-haul flight will rise from £2.50 to £6 with the surcharge for a return journey rising to £12.
The move, which follows a 45% rise in fuel prices in the last 12 months, was announced as BA said it had achieved pre-tax profits for the three months to June 30 of £115m, up from losses of £45m a year earlier, when it was hit by the Iraq war and SARS.
The airline's chief financial officer John Rishton said fuel costs were expected to be £225m higher than last year, with the fuel surcharges contributing £70m towards this.
Chief executive Rod Eddington said fuel and employee costs represented the biggest challenges facing the airline, which is currently involved in a pay dispute with baggage handlers and check-in staff. It is also braced for higher pension contributions of £133m a year.
With passenger numbers on an improved trend, BA said revenues grew 5% to £1.9 billion in the three months to June 30.
* Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic today followed British Airways in announcing an increase in its fuel surcharge. From Wednesday, the Virgin surcharge will rise from the current £2.50 to £6 and will affect all tickets sold in the UK.
