Northwest Raises Fuel Surcharge Again

The Eagan, Minn.-based airlines said in a statement the hike was in response to record-high fuel prices.

Crude oil, which is Northwest's largest operating expense, closed at $125.96 per barrel on Friday, after soaring past $126 during intra day trading. Oil accounts for nearly 40 percent of Northwest's costs.

Earlier this week, Delta Air Lines - which is acquiring Northwest- boosted its surcharge, a move that was matched by United Airlines, American Airlines and Continental Airlines.

Airfares have skyrocketed worldwide in the last six weeks as carriers try to ease its fuel cost burden by passing them on to customers.

Northwest shares ended 11 cents higher or 1.2 percent at $8.61.