Cathay Pacific to ease fuel surcharges by up to 13% starting May 16

Cathay Pacific Airways will lower fuel surcharges on passenger flights starting May 16, reducing fees by up to about 12.9%, following a series of increases that began in March. Cathay said the adjustment reflects a recent easing in aviation fuel prices, offering some financial relief to travelers, although costs remain at “highly elevated levels.”

In addition, the airline states that fuel surcharges will be reviewed “every two weeks” to respond more quickly to market movements. “This increased frequency is intended as a temporary measure and will be revisited when the Middle East situation stabilizes,” Cathay said in its updated statement.

“A fuel surcharge is included on all Cathay Pacific tickets. The surcharge is applied on a per-flight sector basis, irrespective of fare type,” Cathay said, adding that it is already incorporated into ticket prices sold through its direct booking channels.

It also reminded that fuel surcharges do not apply to certain divisions, including Cathay Pacific-marketed flights within Japan. Meanwhile, codeshare flights remain subject to the applicable surcharge policies of the operating carrier.

Under the updated pricing structure, long-haul routes, including flights between Hong Kong and North America, Europe, and Australia, the surcharge will fall to HKD1,362 per sector from HKD1,560, a decrease of about 12.7% (HKD198).

On shorter-haul routes, such as those between Hong Kong and South Asia, the fee will drop to HKD633 from HKD725, also roughly a 12.7% decline.

Other markets will see similar adjustments. U.S.-denominated surcharges will decrease to USD174.60 from $200.

Despite the overall reduction, some routes will see no change.

For example, surcharges on flights between mainland China and Hong Kong, regardless of where the ticket is purchased, will remain at HKD135 for northbound journeys and HKD165 in the opposite direction.

Hong Kong’s Transport and Logistics Bureau welcomed the move, saying it is working with local airlines to address operating pressures while limiting the impact on passenger and cargo capacity at Hong Kong International Airport.

The new rates take effect Saturday and will remain in place until the next revision.

Notably, an industry expert told The Times that the booking date, not the travel date, determines fuel surcharges. Therefore, charges are fixed at the time of ticket purchase, meaning passengers will not have to pay more if jet fuel prices rise afterward, but will also not receive a refund if prices fall unless they cancel and rebook.