Warning over airline price rise

Aurigny operates services to Europe, the UK and the Channel Islands

Air fares to and from Guernsey are likely to go up following the recent rise in global oil prices, the government-owned airline has warned.

The cost of a barrel of crude oil reached a record price of $135 last week and has remained above $130.

Aurigny said the oil price meant its annual fuel bill was expected to increase by about £500,000.

Managing Director Malcolm Hart said it was unfortunate, but the cost would have to be passed on to customers.

No date

"We've tried very, very hard up until now to keep the increases negligible, but people have to recognise the cost will have to go up," he told BBC News.

However, Mr Hart did not say when fares would rise.

Aurigny, which carried more than 400,000 passengers last year, operates services to Europe, the UK, Jersey and Alderney.

It was bought by the States of Guernsey in 2003 following British Airways' decision to stop flying to Guernsey.