Antigua-based LIAT Air says it is taking steps to limit increases in ticket prices as rising fuel costs place additional pressure on its operations.

Chief Operating Officer Obiukwu Mbanuzuo said fuel prices increased by about 50% between late February and early March because of the conflict in the Middle East. He said passengers are bearing only a small portion of the additional cost.

“We’re trying to make sure we make those prudent decisions so we can keep the ticket prices down for customers, even with the rise in fuel prices,” Mbanuzuo told ABS News during the airline’s inaugural direct flight from Guadeloupe to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

He acknowledged that passengers are already facing financial pressure and said the airline must also consider competition within the regional travel market.

“Customers are not finding it easy,” he said. “We don’t want to price out our customers.”

Mbanuzuo said the increased fuel costs are also among the reasons LIAT Air cannot immediately resume service to Barbuda using its current 56-seat aircraft. He said deploying the plane on that route would waste fuel and leave excess capacity.

However, he said Barbuda has not been abandoned and the airline is working to secure a smaller aircraft better suited to the market.

“We’re really working very hard on that,” Mbanuzuo said. “Something will come quite soon.”

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: LIAT Air Seeks to Limit Fare Increases as Fuel Costs Surge.