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Cathay Pacific Doubles Fuel Surcharges Amid Oil Price Surge

3/13/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Cathay Pacific Airways will double fuel surcharges for all flights starting March 18 amid rising oil prices tied to the Middle East conflict.
Surcharges rise: short-haul HK$142 to HK$290, medium-haul HK$264 to HK$541, long-haul HK$569 to HK$1,164.
HK Express will also raise its surcharges.
Hong Kong Airlines increased fees by up to 35%.
Passengers expressed mixed feelings, with some continuing to fly and others reconsidering travel plans.

History

Historical Context

The 1973 Oil Crisis began when the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries imposed an embargo against nations supporting Israel during the Yom Kippur War, causing oil prices to soar from $3 to nearly $12 per barrel. This crisis reshaped global economies and airline operations, with ongoing conflicts in the Middle East today echoing similar pressures on fuel prices and travel costs.

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Story summary

Cathay Pacific Airways will double fuel surcharges for all flights starting March 18 amid rising oil prices tied to the Middle East conflict.
Surcharges rise: short-haul HK$142 to HK$290, medium-haul HK$264 to HK$541, long-haul HK$569 to HK$1,164.
HK Express will also raise its surcharges.
Hong Kong Airlines increased fees by up to 35%.
Passengers expressed mixed feelings, with some continuing to fly and others reconsidering travel plans.

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