Saudia fares ‘to rise’

Saudi Arabia Airlines may raise its airfares for domestic flights to reflect rising operational expenses, said a top official.

These prices were set years ago and do not reflect current realities, said Saleh Al-Jasser, director general of the airline.
Regulatory authorities are reviewing the fares for local flights as costs of overall aviation operations such as airport fees, the value of the plane and other manpower and service costs have gone up, he pointed out. Therefore prices are poised to be amended in future, he said.
International airfares remain competitive as they are always determined by supply and demand, said Al-Jasser.
He made these remarks on the sidelines of the annual general meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organization in Jeddah.
Al-Jasser also said despite higher costs Saudia constantly changes flight plans over areas hit by conflict, including Syria. 
The carrier uses alternative safe routes in coordination with international aviation organizations, he said.
He said one positive development that has emerged out of conflicts in certain countries is that airlines have stepped up safety measures, and are constantly monitoring what is happening across the globe.
“The strategies followed include constant coordination with government and military bodies to stay clear of some routes used for military and civil operations, in addition to the use of technology to deal with congested airspace,” he said.