The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says rising jet fuel prices are likely to cause airfares to increase this year based on current trends, as airlines grapple with higher operating costs

Speaking during a media briefing yesterday, IATA director general Willie Walsh noted that fuel prices in the few weeks of  2022 were significantly higher than the last forecast in October.

He said airlines are also facing higher labour costs amid the staff shortages being seen in economies around the world.

 IATA data show jet fuel at 101 dollars per barrel on January 21, against its October forecast of  $77.80 a barrel.