NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Bahamasair is applying a fuel surcharge to reflect a 55 percent increase in jet fuel prices, managing director Tracy Cooper said, acknowledging the impact on passengers.
“Over the past few weeks, the price of fuel has increased due to the war that is happening in the Persian Gulf. And unfortunately, this increase in fuel prices at this point is around 55 percent,” Cooper said.
He explained the airline is spreading the fuel cost increase across all passengers. “What we’re doing at Bahamasair is that we’re trying to spread that fuel cost increase over all of the gamut of the passengers,” he said.
Cooper noted that fuel costs are only a portion of the ticket price, so adjustments will appear as a surcharge rather than a change to the base fare. “We’re not changing the ticket price itself, but simply incorporating the increases into fuel surcharge,” he said.
He said the approach allows the surcharge to be removed once fuel prices stabilize. “We’re doing it this way so that immediately when the prices return to normal, we’re able to then remove that surcharge and have the ticket prices still stay the same,” Cooper added.
Acknowledging concerns, he said, “So we understand there may be some concerns, but unfortunately, with a 55 percent and increasing in fuel pricing, some of it has to be passed on to the customer.”
Sherrexcia Rolle, president and chief executive of Western Air, told Eyewitness News that the airline’s passengers will also see a fuel surcharge. “While fuel prices are increasing, the passenger will see minimal change, through a fuel surcharge. Of course we continue to monitor the situation and hope for stability of oil prices soon.”
The aviation sector is responding to rising global energy prices linked to ongoing Middle East tensions, with fuel remaining the largest operating cost for airlines.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip Davis reassured Bahamians that electricity bills will not rise despite global oil price increases. “We have been closely monitoring developments, engaging with our energy partners, and planning for various scenarios,” Davis said. “Your electricity bills, which are lower already from the changes, will not be impacted by the current crisis.”
Davis added that rising global oil prices are contributing to broader cost-of-living pressures in The Bahamas, including higher freight, transport, and food costs. “Bringing costs down for Bahamian families is the focus. Giving people relief at the grocery store is the focus. And nothing will get in the way of that,” he said.
