All Nippon Airways Co said on Feb. 6 that it will raise regular international airfares for flights departing from and arriving at Japanese airports by 6% to 17% from Apr. 1 to pass on the effects of higher fuel costs to passengers.

Fares on North American and Hawaiian routes will be raised by 13%. Those on European routes will be increased by 6-17%, depending on the destination and class of seats, the airline said.

The move by the major airline follows a decision by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to allow member carriers to raise fares to deflect the impact of higher fuel costs.

The ANA announcement came a day after a similar fare increase announcement by the country's largest carrier, Japan Airlines Corp (JAL).