British Airways has followed Virgin Atlantic in cutting its fuel surcharges as airline passengers finally benefit from the fall in the cost of oil.

British Airways today joined rival carrier Virgin Atlantic in reducing passenger fuel surcharges. Virgin announced last night that it was cutting charges for its economy and premium economy passengers from midnight tonight.

British Airways passengers will pay up to £26 less for a return flight when the airline lowers its fuel surcharge, also at midnight tonight. Airlines have come under pressure to cut the surcharge as the oil price has fallen from a peak of $147 a barrel in July to around $78 today.

Air France, Emirates and Singapore Airlines have also reduced their long-haul fees by an average of £10, while Spanish airline Iberia has cut fares by up to £47.

British Airways, which said earlier this month that it had no plans to cut surcharges, has reduced the charge by £26 to £192 return for its economy World Traveller seats on flights lasting more than nine hours, and by £20 to £136 return on shorter flights. Premium economy passengers will see a £6.50 cut on long haul and a £5 cut on short-haul flights.

BA has been hit by rising oil prices and falling passenger numbers as the consumer slowdown has kept people at home.

Source: business.timesonline.co.uk