【Iran Crisis】Cathay Pacific CX Increases Fuel Surcharge by Over 100%, Effectively Raising Ticket Prices

SocialAnxietyStaker · 2026-03-12T07:51:20+00:00

Tensions in Iran have kept the Strait of Hormuz unstable, leading to continuous rises in oil prices. Hong Kong airlines have increased their fuel surcharges. Cathay Pacific announced that starting from March 18, 2026, the surcharge for short-haul flights will increase from 142 yuan to 290 yuan, medium-haul from 264 yuan to 541 yuan, and long-haul from 569 yuan to 1,164 yuan, with all increases exceeding 100%.

SocialAnxietyStaker

2026-03-12 07:51:20

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Tensions in Iran persist, and the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil transportation, remains closed, keeping oil prices high. This has led to increased fuel surcharges for gasoline and higher airline ticket prices in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific Airlines recently announced an increase in fuel surcharges, marking the second airline after Hong Kong Airlines to raise ticket prices.

All Cathay Pacific tickets include a fuel surcharge. The airline stated that due to recent developments in the Middle East, aviation fuel prices have nearly doubled since March. Therefore, Cathay Pacific announced that starting March 18, 2026, it will adjust its passenger fuel surcharges. According to the current mechanism, the surcharges will be increased as follows:

Short-haul flights: from HKD 142 to HKD 290, an increase of 104%
Medium-haul flights: from HKD 264 to HKD 541, an increase of 105%
Long-haul flights: from HKD 569 to HKD 1,164, an increase of 105%

Cathay Pacific stated that it will regularly review fuel surcharge levels and closely monitor fuel price trends.

Earlier, Hong Kong Airlines announced that starting March 12, it will adjust its passenger fuel surcharges. Both short- and long-haul routes are affected. Popular destinations such as Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia will see surcharges rise from HKD 162 to HKD 212, an additional HKD 50 per one-way trip. For long-haul routes, each trip will cost an extra HKD 150, meaning the total additional fuel cost for a round-trip ticket will be HKD 300.

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