Aeroplane fuel charges 'unavoidable'

The fuel surcharges being enforced by airlines are unavoidable, it has been claimed.

David Buick, a partner with brokers BGC Partners, told BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake Up to Money programme that airlines face bankruptcy if they do not pass on costs caused by the increased price of oil.

He commented that other economic conditions were also proving to be a factor.

Mr Buick remarked: "Unfortunately, as the world's growth narrows and becomes lower, these make the problems for the long-haul airlines even greater."

New charges are being put in place by Virgin Airways today, and British Airways customers currently have to pay £218 more than the basic ticket price in fuel charges on a long-haul flight.

Virgin Airways' prices have gone up by between £2.50 and £16.50, the level of the increase determined by the flight length and the ticket class.

Japan Airlines has raised its surcharges on flights to Europe and America by 40 per cent.