Cathay Pacific Hikes Fuel Surcharges Again on Cash and Award Tickets

Updated: July 24, 2026, 11:49am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Fuel Surcharge Increases for Flights Departing August 1
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

After several months of falling prices, the price of oil has shot up once again after war resumed in earnest in the Middle East.

As a result, Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific was quick to announce another increase to the fuel surcharges it levies on many tickets — its second increase in less than a year.

Here’s what you need to know and what you can expect to pay going forward.

Fuel Surcharge Increases for Flights Departing August 1

Cathay Pacific has announced a new round of fuel surcharge increases for flights ticketed from August 1, 2026, and beyond, as reported by Reuters.

Cathay Pacific Economy Cabin — Cathay Pacific has announced higher fuel surcharges for flights ticketed on August 1 and beyond. Image Credit: Lori Zaino

This move comes after the airline already announced a doubling of its previous rates earlier this year. For tickets booked August 1 or after, here’s what you will have to pay on top of your airfare:

Flights between Hong Kong and Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and North America will see fuel surcharges increase from the current HK$965 (about $123) to HK$1,362 (about $174).
Flights between Hong Kong and Mainland China will see fuel surcharges increase from HK$165 (about $21) to HK$198 (about $25).
Flights between Hong Kong and South Asia will see fuel surcharges increase from HK$448 (about $57) to HK$633 (about $81).
Other routes will see fuel surcharges increase from HK$241 (about $31) to HK$339 (about $43).

The airline says it will look at these rates every 2 weeks and continue to adjust them if necessary. In other words, brace yourself for more increases to come.

These rates affect not only cash tickets, but also award tickets booked through programs that pass on these fuel surcharges to flyers. If you have an award ticket you’d like to book to fly on Cathay Pacific, now is the time to book it, as you could be on the hook for a larger cash co-pay come August 1.

Hot Tip:

To learn more, take a look at our ultimate guide to fuel surcharges, which also highlights which carriers charge the most (and least).

Final Thoughts

Cathay Pacific has announced another hike to its fuel surcharges, the second major increase in less than a year. With oil prices spiking once again, we have no doubt other carriers will soon be following suit.

If there’s travel you need to book, do it sooner rather than later, because more increases could come at any time.