El Al raises fares for 3rd time in year
Israeli airline to impose fuel surcharge of $10-20 on flights to North America, Far East and Africa; no change expected in flights to Europe
El Al Airlines has announced its plan to impose a fuel surcharge on flights to North America, the Far East and Africa, starting Thursday, January 5.
The company stressed that the same move was being taken by other global airlines due to soaring fuel prices. The surcharge will not apply to El Al's fights to European destinations.
Economy class tourists will pay an additional $10, while business class fares will increase by $20. Tickets issued by January 4 will not include the surcharge, the company said.
"As opposed to the fuel surcharge imposed by European airlines, El Al is avoiding a similar price updates on its European routes," the company said in a statement.
The airline noted that the price of jet fuel stood at some $80 per barrel in 2010, leaping to about $110 in the first half of 2011.
This is the third time in the past year that El Al raises its fares due to rising fuel prices. In January 2011, the price of a round-trip ticket was increased by $16 for short and medium-haul flights and $32 for long-haul flights.
About two months later, in March, the prices of short and medium-haul flights were increased by $22, while the prices of long-haul were up $45.
Sources in the aviation industry noted that additional airlines operating in Israel – including Alitalia, Continental Airlines, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, Air France and KLM – have raised their fares by several dollars in the past month.
