Cathay Pacific has announced a passenger capacity change from mid-May to end-June, sparked by the ongoing volatile situation in the Middle East.
Adjusting fuel surcharges to mitigate rising jet fuel prices
The Middle East situation continues to negatively impact the price of jet fuel, which has increased significantly since the beginning of March and remains at highly elevated levels, placing huge cost pressure on airlines around the world. A statement from Cathay Pacific details the measures currently being taken: "In the past month we have pursued every suitable means to keep our flights operating as normal. This includes adjusting the fuel surcharges in an attempt to mitigate the surge in jet fuel prices."
Consolidating a small number of flights
"Despite our best efforts, the measures we have taken to mitigate the heightened fuel costs have not been enough,- continues the statement. -Cutting back on capacity has always been our last resort. Regrettably we have to consolidate a small number of Cathay Pacific passenger flights from 16 May 2026 to 30 June 2026, as well as a small number of HK Express passenger flights from 11 May 2026 to 30 June 2026, to mitigate part of the increased costs." For Cathay Pacific some 2% of total frequencies during the period will be cancelled, involving mostly regional flights and a small number of Australia, South Asia and South Africa flights.
Protection for passengers
All affected customers will be offered protection onto flights departing within 24 hours of their originally scheduled flights. For HK Express, about 6% of total frequencies during the period will be cancelled, with nearly all affected customers offered protection onto flights departing within 24 hours of their originally scheduled flights. All affected customers were notified of their updated flight details by Monday 13 April. A decision has also been made to continue suspending Cathay Pacific’s Dubai and Riyadh passenger flights until 30 June 2026 in view of the ongoing situation in the Middle East.
"Maintaining network and frequencies as much as possible"
With attention to the needs of passengers a priority for the Hong Kong-based carrier, the impact on customers has been minimized as much as possible. "These consolidation decisions are not taken lightly, and we apologize to customers for any inconvenience caused." Beyond June, Cathay Pacific and HK Express plan to operate all scheduled passenger flights, subject to developments of the Middle East situation and jet fuel price in the coming months. "During these unprecedented times, we shall remain agile in our response while striving to maintain our network and frequencies as much as possible for our customers, business partners and the Hong Kong international aviation hub."
