Taipei - Taiwan airlines will hike air fare on international routes next month due to rising fuel price, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) said on Tuesday.

Starting July 15, Taiwan airlines will add 5 US dollars to the surcharge on short-range international flights and 13 dollars on long-range international flights.

The fuel price surcharge increase, the fourth in as many months, doubles the surcharge from June of 2.50 dollars for short-haul international flights and 6.50 dollars for long-haul international flights.

After the July 15 hike, Taiwan airlines' fuel surcharge will be a total 37.50 dollars for short-range international routes and 97.50 dollars for long-range international flights, CAA said.

Faced with soaring fuel price, Taiwan's two leading airlines - China Airlines and EVA Air - have both downsized operations, reducing international routes and cutting the number of flights. (dpa)