BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - Major European airlines

warned of rising fares if the surge in fuel prices stemming from

the Iran conflict persists for months and urged passengers to

book early to avoid extra costs as the industry's fuel hedging

strategies start to unwind.

Lufthansa Group CEO Carsten Spohr, speaking

alongside other airline leaders in Brussels, said it had added

40 flights to Asia to compensate for disruption to Gulf carriers

but demand could be affected by higher fuel charges and fares.