British Airways (BA) and Virgin Atlantic have both increased the fuel surcharges on flights due to the rising price of oil.

All UK bookings on longhaul flights have risen from £6 to £10 per flight, or £20 per round trip.

Shorthaul fuel surcharges on all UK bookings with BA have risen from £2.50 to £4 per flight, or £8 a return trip.

Air France and Lufthansa have also announced similarly increased surcharges.

BA’s commercial director, Martin George, said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but, as other airlines are finding, the continuing rise in fuel prices sadly makes these increases inevitable.”

A Virgin spokesperson added: “As a longhaul carrier, our fuel costs represent a higher share of our costs. The new charge will represent around 3 per cent of our average ticket prices. We will continue to keep the surcharge under review and adjust it when appropriate.” Details: www.virgin-atlantic.com or www.britishairways.com