BA drops fuel surcharge for UAE passengers

SURCHARGE DROPPED: British Airways has taken the decision following the fall in oil prices. (Getty Images)

British Airways, which operates 28 weekly flights from the UAE to London Heathrow, has dropped its fuel surcharge for economy and premium economy customers in response to the recent fall in oil prices.

The UK’s flagship carrier said it expected its annual fuel bill to rise 50 percent to 17.83 billion dirhams ($4.85 billion) this year – a daily equivalent of 46 million dirhams.

But the airline said its UAE customers will pay 150 dirhams less for a return World Traveller fare (economy) and 75 dirhams less (£13) for a return World Traveller Plus (premium economy fare) under the reduced surcharge.

“In spite of the fact that the overall cost of fuel for British Airways has not reduced, we have implemented the lower surcharge because the price of fuel has dropped in recent weeks and our objective is to remain competitive in the marketplace,” said Paul Starrs, commercial manager, Middle East.

“The price of fuel remains volatile, but we keep our surcharges under continuous review and adjust them as and when appropriate.”

The announcement comes just days after British Airways reported a 92 percent slump in first-half profits due to high fuel costs and the banking crisis. At the same time BA said it would cut capacity next summer.

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READERS' COMMENTS

B.A.
Posted by paul., Dubai, uae. on Thursday 13 November 2008 at 08:53 UAE time


Looks like i will be traveling with B.A. from now on, it seems they want my custom, not emirates.....

BA drops fuel surcharge for UAE passengers
Posted by hombil, Muscat, Oman on Wednesday 12 November 2008 at 08:23 UAE time


Congratulations to BA on initiating this move and hope other airlines will follow. Is this advantage passed on to UAE passengers only or is it GCC wide?

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