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Sat, 05 Sep 2026

Sat, 05 Sep 2026 Flight price rises due to 'foolish leaders' starting wars, Virgin's Branson says

Middle East tensions have choked the production and transportation of oil, causing a surge in the price of car and jet fuels.

* Sir Richard Branson blames "foolish leaders" starting wars, specifically referring to the US-Israel conflict with Iran, for causing a surge in oil prices.
* The conflict has resulted in higher production and transportation costs, leading to increased fuel prices for car and jet fuels.
* Virgin Atlantic introduced a fuel surcharge on ticket prices in May due to the rising fuel costs.
* Sir Richard Branson says there was "no need" for the war, as a nuclear agreement between Iran and the world had been negotiated by President Obama and was working.
* The European benchmark jet fuel price has dropped from over $1,800 per tonne to around $1,450 after spiking following the outbreak of the conflict.
* Virgin Atlantic's chief executive Corneel Koster says fuel surcharges are "absolutely required" for the current level of fuel prices.
* Several airlines have cut flights and raised fares due to the higher fuel costs.
* Ryanair has reduced its winter schedule and warned that European short-haul fares will increase if jet fuel prices continue to rise.
* Virgin Atlantic expects to fly 95% of its regular schedule despite the higher costs.