Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa has seen oil prices rocket in recent weeks, with Thomas Cook the latest to feel the heat. With Brent Crude oil presently trading at approximately $115 a barrel – up from under $100 at the start of February – the tour operator has added a fuel surcharge of £15 to short-haul flights, £25 to medium haul and £40 to long-haul departures.

British Airways could endure strike action over Easter and the Royal Wedding after cabin crew agreed to take part in a new ballot. Unite is holding its fourth ballot in two years – with the result due to be declared on March 28. A yes vote could lead to industrial action over the peak holiday period in April.

British Airways has launched its new route to Haneda in Japan on February 19, 2011 in a push to open up the domestic Japanese market to UK travellers.

Businesses will remain reluctant to upgrade staff to premium class despite the improving global economic outlook, warns the Civil Aviation Authority. Companies that cut staff travel budgets during the downturn are unlikely to reverse this trend as they have become accustomed to the associated cost-savings, the British regulator says in its latest report.

Unite has given British Airways seven days notice of its intention to ballot crew members over possible strike action during Easter 2011. In the latest stage of its ongoing battle with the airline the trade union is seeking the immediate restoration of travel concessions lost during earlier strikes and restoration of all earnings docked from crew off sick during strike dates.

British Airways has confirmed it will increase its fuel surcharge on long-haul flights from Thursday. The move reflects “the substantial recent increase in the price of oil”, the British flag-carrier said in a statement.