Aer Lingus increases fuel surcharge on long haul routes

Aer Lingus is to increase its long haul fuel surcharge on routes to the US, effective from Saturday, 29 March 2008. The increase is as a direct result of the record upsurge in the price of oil in recent weeks and the airline's rising fuel bill. The fuel surcharge will increase on flights to and from Ireland to Orlando, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Flights from Ireland to Orlando will increase from €55/$77/£40 to €60/$90/£45 per sector.

Flights from Ireland to San Francisco and Los Angeles will rise from €65/$90/£45 to €75/$99/£55 per sector.

The fuel surcharge will increase on the following inbound routes from the US to Ireland:

Flights from New York, Boston and Washington to Ireland will increase from $70 to $75 per sector.

Flights from Chicago to Ireland will increase from $77 to $82 per sector.

Outbound flights from Ireland to New York, Boston, Washington and Chicago remain unchanged.

Commenting on the announcement Aer Lingus Corporate Affairs Director, Enda Corneille said:

"The price of oil has risen significantly in recent weeks and continues to be extremely volatile. Today's increases reflect the continuing high price of oil and its effect on our long haul operations. Aer Lingus will keep the level of the surcharges under constant review and make adjustments where appropriate."