MAS to hike domestic tariff

MAS to hike domestic tariff

KUALA LUMPUR (AFX-ASIA): Malaysian Airline System's request for a hike in domestic airfares is inevitable but the government has yet to decide on the quantum of the increase, New Straits Times quoted Transport Minister Ling Liong Sik as saying.

Ling said higher airfares for both Malaysia Airlines' domestic and international flights are unavoidable due to higher cost of fuel.

He said the government has no control over the airline's decision to raise international airfares.

On Thursday, it was reported that airlines across Asia are planning to raise airfares to offset higher fuel costs. Malaysia Airlines is reportedly raising airfares for international travel by between 10-30 percent next month.

Separately, The Star newspaper quoted Ling as cautioning Malaysia Airlines not to impose airfares which are above market rates.

On British Airways' decision to halt London-Kuala Lumpur flights beginning April 1, Ling said it will not reduce the number of tourist arrivals into the country, including those from Britain.

Malaysia Airlines should take the opportunity to increase its flights to Britain as "British Airways' 100,000 annual passengers now need to seek other airlines", he added.