Cathay Hikes Flight Fuel Surcharge by 34% Starting April

Cathay Pacific will raise its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34 percent from April 1. The airline announced the increase on Thursday. This is the second surcharge rise in two weeks.

Details of the new charges

Short-haul levies will move from HK$290 to HK$389. Medium-haul surcharges will climb from HK$541 to HK$725.

Long-haul charges will increase by HK$396 to reach HK$1,560. That follows the current HK$1,164 level, a rise of about 34 percent.

Previous levels and context

Before the conflict in the Middle East, long-haul fuel fees were HK$569. The current long-haul rate is now nearly triple that pre-war level.

Reasons and financial impact

The airline cited the ongoing war in the Middle East as a key driver of rising oil and jet fuel prices. Cathay said its fuel hedging proved insufficient to offset the recent surges.

Fuel made up roughly 30 percent of the carrier’s operating costs last year. The carrier said the volatility is placing considerable pressure on airlines worldwide.

Routes affected

The long-haul increase affects flights between Hong Kong and regions like North America, Europe and the Middle East. All network segments will see the updated levies.

The move — Cathay Hikes Flight Fuel Surcharge by 34% Starting April — reflects the company’s response to sharp fuel cost rises. The long-haul uplift equals roughly US$50.63 in additional charges per ticket.