Qantas increases fuel surcharge

QANTAS passengers will have to fork out extra for their tickets after the airline increased its fuel surcharge by more than 50 per cent.

The carrier blamed rising oil and jet fuel prices for the hike, and refused to rule out further increases in the future.

One-way tickets booked on or after February 19 for destinations in the UK and Europe would increase to $145, up 53 per cent from the current $95.

Flights to mainland USA, Canada, South America, South Africa and India would attract a $115 fuel surcharge, compared with $85 now.

And travellers headed to Asian and Pacific destinations, including Honolulu, will face a $75 fuel surcharge, which is $20 more than what is being charged at the moment.

Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce said the increase in the fuel surcharge would "not fully cover" the additional cost and the airline could not rule out further changes in the future.

"Based on industry forecasts, and our own assessment, prices will, at the very least, remain at their current higher levels," Mr Joyce said.

"Qantas has been closely monitoring the situation for some time now and has held off any move on surcharges for as long as possible."

The increase now means Qantas has one of the highest fuel charges.

In comparison, Cathay Pacific has a $50 fuel surcharge fee to Europe, while British Airways charge $180.

Australians complain that the cost of international air travel is high enough.

The increase in fuel surcharges will add to their woes.

Qantas said its wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary Jetstar would not reintroduce fuel surcharges on its tickets.

The airline said in a statement fuel surcharges for domestic and Tasman fares were under review

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