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Cathay Pacific plans to carry more passengers despite disruptions from Iran war
Cathay Pacific will increase fuel surcharges by over 100% as jet fuel costs double due to the Middle East conflict while growing passenger capacity by 10% in 2026.
- On March 12, Cathay Pacific announced it plans to grow passenger capacity by around 10% in 2026 despite geopolitical volatility, while raising fuel surcharges from March 18. Patrick Healy said, 'We expect to grow passenger capacity by around 10 percent in 2026 as we add frequencies and destinations.'
- The Iran war, which began Feb 28, has disrupted travel and supply chains, forcing Cathay to suspend all March flights to Dubai and Riyadh while jet fuel prices approximately doubled this month.
- Additional flights to Europe will be operated in March, and fuel surcharges will rise to HK$290, HK$541, and HK$1,164, respectively, from March 18, 2026.
- Rising fuel expenses mean net fuel costs rose 11.2 per cent, shares climbed more than 5%, and the group will pay HK$5.2 billion in dividends, as of March 12.
- To limit exposure, Cathay hedges roughly 30% of near-term fuel, but analysts warn margins could still be pressured and supply chain and aircraft delivery may disrupt expansion plans.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Cathay Pacific to nearly double fuel surcharge on Wednesday as costs surge
Cathay Pacific Airways will nearly double its fuel surcharges starting from Wednesday, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising fuel prices driven by conflict in the Middle East.
Some of Asia's biggest airlines are raising airfares as the conflict in the Middle East has sharply increased oil prices and forced travelers to choose alternative travel routes. Cathay Pacific, AirAsia and Thai Airways are among the carriers that have warned of price increases and fuel surcharges as the war between the US, Israel and Iran has pushed up energy costs and restricted access to refineries. Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Ronald Lam s…
Cathay Pacific is preparing to nearly double its fuel surcharge on all routes following the escalating conflict in Iran, which has driven up jet fuel prices and is impacting airlines worldwide, forcing them to consider raising ticket prices.
Cathay Pacific Profit Rises 9.5%, but Middle East Conflict Clouds Outlook
Cathay Pacific Profit Rises 9.5%, but Middle East Conflict Clouds Outlook - Hong Kong carrier restores capacity to prepandemic levels as passenger demand rebounds, even as suspended routes and surging jet-fuel prices threaten margins
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