Branson Blames Iran War for Virgin Fare Hikes as Jet Fuel Stays Near $1,450
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 5
Branson Blames Iran War for Virgin Fare Hikes as Jet Fuel Stays Near $1,450
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Sep 5
Summary
Richard Branson said Virgin Atlantic’s higher ticket prices stem from an “unnecessary” US-Israel-Iran conflict that drove up oil prices and fed broader inflation.
Jet fuel prices jumped from about $800 a tonne to more than $1,800 after the war broke out and have since eased to roughly $1,450, still high enough for Virgin to keep fuel surcharges.
Virgin’s surcharge added £50 to economy fares, £180 to premium and £360 to business, while chief executive Corneel Koster said the airline still expects to fly 95% of its regular winter schedule.
Rivals have also raised fares and cut flights, with Teneo estimating a 25% increase in air fares in April and Ryanair warning short-haul prices will rise further if fuel costs stay elevated.
Branson made the remarks as Virgin Atlantic announced it will fly Team GB and ParalympicsGB to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, taking the contract from British Airways.