Cathay to raise April surcharges as jet fuel, crude prices surge amidst ME crisis

The airline will review fuel surcharges every two weeks.

Cathay Pacific will raise its fuel surcharges from 1 April as global average jet fuel prices rose to $1,536.60 (US$197.00) and crude oil to $864.08 (US$110.78) per barrel for the week ending 20 March, according to a press release.

Short-haul flights will now be priced at $389, up from $290, medium-haul flights at $725, up from $541, and long-haul flights at $1,560, up from $1,164.

The airline said it will review fuel surcharges every two weeks to reflect movements in jet fuel prices temporarily and will adjust them when conditions in the Middle East stabilise.

It added that whilst some airlines have reduced capacity due to higher fuel costs, it will maintain its network and flight frequencies.

Cathay Pacific said fuel accounted for about 30% of its total operating costs in 2025. Its hedging programme covers about 30% of the crude oil component in 2026 but does not cover the refinery component.

This follows earlier increases in jet fuel prices, including $1,227.80 (US$157.41) for the week ending 6 March and $748.41 (US$95.95) for the week ending 20 February, according to data from the International Air Transport Association.

The refinery component, measured by the weekly average crack spread, also rose to $672.52 (US$86.22) per barrel from $563.63 (US$72.26) for the week ending 6 March and $190.94 (US$24.48) for the week ending 20 February.

(US$1 = HK$7.8)