Aer Lingus has increased its fuel surcharge on transatlantic flights by up to 30 per cent today in a bid to offset the impact of the high price of oil.
The move came one day after the price of crude oil broke through the $122 mark on demand fears.
Aer Lingus passengers flying between Ireland and New York, Boston, Chiacgo or Washington will now have to pay €65 each way, compared with €50 previously.
Those flying between Dublin or Shannon and Orlando will see their surcharge rise €15 to €75.
The fuel charge on flights to and from west coast cities San Francisco and Los Angeles will rise by €15 to €90.
The price increases will take effect on all bookings made from May 14th.
Aer Lingus raised its fuel surcharge as recently as March 19th but the unrelenting rise in oil prices has prompted it to act again just weeks later. Aer Lingus introduced a surcharge on flights to the US in May 2006.
Enda Corneille, Aer Lingus's corporate affairs director said the price of oil had risen to a record high in recent weeks. “Today's increases in our surcharges reflect the continuing effect the high price of oil is having on our long haul operation.
“Aer Lingus will keep the level of the surcharges under constant review and make adjustments where appropriate,” he said.
