Irish holidaymakers planning a trip over the summer months have been urged to book soon as flight prices are due to skyrocket.
The increase will be implemented as the rising cost of fuel begins to affect airlines - with customers bearing the brunt of the price increase.
Aer Lingus boss Lynne Embleton today said that while there are cheap seats still available even the value options will eventually have to increase in price.
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She said the reason for the increase is due to the fact that fuel fare accounts for up to 30% of an airline's overall costs.
In an interview with RTE, Ms. Embleton explained: "When fuel price goes up it is inevitable eventually that will be passed through to customers.
"It doesn't happen immediately but you would expect the industry to recover those costs.
"Ultimately we do see fuel costs needing to be reflected in the price."
Like most airlines, Aer Lingus is preparing to welcome back record numbers of customers this and Embleton said they have increased the number of flights departing from Dublin to accommodate for this.
She explained: "We are absolutely still flying the programme that we set out.
"We are at 85% 2019 capacity already and as you know that it is intended to get to 90% at the peak and we’re absolutely on track for doing that.
"You’ve seen globally the impact of supply chain shortages and problems with airport security in many many airports around the world and we are not immune to that.
"We’ve recruited, we’ve been pleased with the number of people who want to join Aer Lingus, and we are ramping up nicely."
Meanwhile, issues at the passport office have seen the public be warned not to book flights until they have their updated passport in hand.
Thousands of people are scrambling to get their renewals complete before the 2022 summer season of travel - but it seems many are being left waiting weeks longer than the estimated time frame.
According to Northern Irish Sinn Fein politician, Jemma Dolan, “My office has been inundated with queries from people who require their passport to be accelerated.
“Unfortunately we are limited in our ability as the system that is in place is not turning them around quickly enough but we will still try to help as best we can.
“Sinn Féin continues to call for a passport office to be opened in the north and for more resources to be put into the Dublin & Cork offices.”
The advice for those who need to sort their passports out is as follows:
- Check your passport is in date - if it’s out over the next few months and you’re thinking about going abroad, consider applying for renewal now
- Do not book a holiday before you have your passport - either renewal or new application
- If you require an emergency passport (to attend a funeral, medical treatment, or in other exceptional circumstances) book an appointment directly with the passport office (online)
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