Bdos: Pay through your nose to fly

AS FUEL PRICES continue to soar to record heights around the world, airlines have reacted by raising ticket prices.

Officials at British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Caribbean Star and Air Jamaica confirmed that the hike in fuel costs had forced their airlines to pass on the increase to customers.

The price of oil has been rising over the last year and recently hit US$41.50 per barrel.

President and chief operating officer of Caribbean Star, Paul Moreira, said the airline, which operated throughout the Eastern Caribbean, had increased their fuel surcharge to BDS$10 per ticket.

“Fuel prices have been the highest in 13 years. Caribbean Star has tried to mitigate some of the increase. We have been unable to hold consistent and not pass it on to the consumer,” he said.

He also said the increases were likely to take effect between July and August, the height of the summer travelling season for locals.