|
The airline industry came under criticism after it decided to collect a fuel surcharge on domestic flights in dollars in an apparent move to pass the burden from a weak won on to passengers.
Korean Air announced on Thursday that, due to the soaring value of the dollar, in which payment for jet oil is made, it would impose fuel surcharges on domestic flights in dollars instead of won from January of next year.
When based on the won's current value, surcharges for next January and February would drop from W12,100 (US$1=W1,364) to W4,400, reflecting a recent plunge in oil prices. But, if the dollar-based system is introduced, the surcharges would rise 25 percent to W5,500.
"The won's value against the dollar has plummeted about 30 percent compared to the third quarter. Due to the cost burden arising from the weakening won, we have decided to impose fuel surcharges on domestic flights in dollars, as on international flights," Korean Air said.
Asiana Airlines and budget airliners are reportedly considering whether to follow suit.
Critics say the industry already introduced additional fuel surcharges on domestic flights in July citing the reason of skyrocketing oil prices. Now oil prices have stabilized while the won is still declining, it is trying to shift the burden to passengers.
"The government can't regulate the issue, since the industry can voluntarily impose surcharges on domestic flights," the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs said.
(englishnews@chosun.com )
|
