Middle East war: Cathay Pacific to lower fuel surcharges next Wed as oil prices fall

Hong Kong airline Cathay Pacific is to lower its fuel surcharges in response to the fall in global oil prices, which shot up in recent months after war broke out in the Middle East.

Cathay Pacific. Photo: GovHK.

From July 1, surcharges for long-haul flights between Hong Kong and Southwest Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa will be cut by almost HK$200, from HK$1,362 to HK$1,164.

For flights between Hong Kong and South Asia, considered medium-haul flights, the surcharge will be reduced from HK$633 to HK$541, a drop of HK$92.

Short-haul flights will see their fuel surcharges reduced by HK$49, from HK$339 to HK$290.

The surcharges for flights between Hong Kong and mainland China will remain unchanged, at HK$165 for flights from Hong Kong to mainland China, and RMB135 (HK$156) for flights in the other direction.

Surcharge reviews

This is the second time that Cathay Pacific has eased its fuel surcharges since the war in the Middle East began in late February, prompting the airline – like many others – to hike the fees.

The airline reduced its fuel surcharges last month. The surcharges for long-haul flights were cut by around HK$198, HK$92 for medium-haul flights and HK$50 for short-haul flights.

Passengers waiting at Cathay Pacific’s counter at the Hong Kong International Airport. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

In the Tuesday statement, Cathay Pacific said it was reviewing its fuel surcharges every two weeks “to better capture jet fuel price movements in either upward or downward direction.”

“This increased frequency is intended as a temporary measure and will be revisited when the Middle East situation stabilises,” the statement added.

Cathay Pacific flights to Riyadh and Dubai remain halted. The airline said last month that it was extending the suspension of flights to the two Middle Eastern cities until August 31.

On February 28, the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran in an effort to destroy its nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure and force the collapse of the regime. Between then, and early June, US President Donald Trump has claimed a deal to end the conflict was imminent at least 38 times, according to CNN.