Cathay Pacific to cut flights as jet fuel prices more than double in weeks

Flights to Dubai and Riyadh remain suspended until 30 June.

Cathay Pacific will cut a small portion of its passenger flight capacity from mid-May to the end of June as jet fuel prices surge.

The airline will cancel about 2% of total Cathay Pacific flight frequencies from 16 May to 30 June 2026, mainly affecting regional routes and a small number of Australia, South Asia, and South Africa flights.

In addition, its low-cost unit, HK Express, will reduce around 6% of its total frequencies from 11 May to 30 June 2026.

Affected passengers will be rebooked onto alternative flights departing within 24 hours of their original schedules, with notifications to be issued by 13 April.

Global average jet fuel price increased to $1,637 (US$209) per barrel for the week ending 3 April, increasing from $778.51 (US$99.40) per barrel for the week ending 27 February, according to the International Air Transport Association.

Cathay said it had attempted to offset rising costs through measures including fuel surcharge adjustments, but these were insufficient to absorb the increase.

The airline will also continue suspending Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights until 30 June, citing the ongoing situation in the Middle East.

Beyond June, Cathay Pacific and HK Express plan to operate all scheduled passenger flights, subject to developments in the Middle East situation and jet fuel prices in the coming months.

$1 = US$0.13