CMC – Caribbean Airlines (CAL) on Friday announced the immediate introduction of a fuel surcharge on all tickets, saying it is to help offset a portion of rising costs due mainly to the war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel and Iran, that has led to significant increases in oil and gas prices.

CAL said the fuel surcharge of between US$15 and US$25 per sector will apply, varying based on route, adding “it should be noted that there is no increase in the airline’s base fares.

“The surcharge is an applicable flat rate that is added in the ‘taxes/fees’ breakdown on the overall cost of a ticket”.

CAL said that it is important to note that it does not fully compensate for the increase in fuel expenses and Caribbean Airlines continues to absorb a significant share of these costs to minimise the impact on customers.

It said that customers who purchased tickets prior to Friday “will not incur any additional charge” and that the adjustment comes in response to the continued increase in global jet fuel prices “which remain of the most significant cost drivers in airline operations”

CAL said that as of this month, jet fuel prices have remained “elevated and airlines worldwide had to implement cost measures to manage these increases”.

It said that the fuel surcharge will apply to all regional and international routes with the exception of the domestic travel between Trinidad and Tobago “which remains unaffected”.

“We appreciate the understanding of all our loyal customers and stakeholders as we navigate these global cost pressures, while continuing to prioritise the overall travel experience,” CAL added.