Business · 5 September 2026
Richard Branson blames foolish leaders for flight price rises
U.S. Department of State from United States via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson claims "foolish leaders" starting wars, referencing the US-Israel conflict, caused recent flight price increases. Middle East tension has made oil and jet fuel more expensive, leading Virgin Atlantic to add a fuel surcharge in May. The additional charge increased economy fares by £50, premium fares by £180, and business class fares by £360.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs