【Flight Surcharge Increase】Hong Kong Airlines from 3.18 "Again" Increases Passenger Fuel Surcharge: Japan flights charge $290, long-haul $1164 | See all airlines' latest 2026 ticket prices at a glance | Which is cheapest among Cathay Pacific/HK Express/Hong Kong Airlines? (Continuously updated)

Tensions continue in Iran, and the crucial global oil transportation route, the Strait of Hormuz, remains closed, causing international oil prices to stay high. This has directly led several airlines to increase their fuel surcharges. Hong Kong Airlines was the first to raise fuel surcharges last Thursday (12th), and starting Wednesday (18th), they increased again. Multiple airlines have consecutively raised their fuel surcharges, meaning passengers will face higher costs when purchasing tickets for travel.

Latest news as of March 17:

Hong Kong Airlines raises fuel surcharges again on March 18

Following an increase on March 12, Hong Kong Airlines will raise fuel surcharges again starting March 18! Both short-haul and long-haul routes are affected. Short-haul fuel surcharges in Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Southeast Asia have increased from HKD 162 to HKD 212, then to HKD 290 within about a week; long-haul routes now cost HKD 1,164 per trip, meaning a round-trip ticket’s fuel fee alone will be HKD 2,328.

News before March 16:

Cathay Pacific to fully increase fuel surcharges starting March 18

Cathay Pacific (00293) will officially adjust passenger fuel surcharges from March 18, 2026. The airline states that due to recent developments in the Middle East, fuel prices have nearly doubled since March. Under the current mechanism, the new surcharge standards are as follows:

• Long-haul flights: from HKD 569 to HKD 1,164 (an increase of 105%), applicable to flights between Hong Kong and Southwest Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa
• Medium-haul flights: from HKD 264 to HKD 541 (105% increase), for flights between Hong Kong and South Asia
• Short-haul flights: from HKD 142 to HKD 290 (104% increase), for other routes not specified above, including most Asian routes such as Mainland China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand

Cathay Pacific added that they will regularly review the fuel surcharge levels and closely monitor fuel price trends for appropriate adjustments.

Hong Kong Express raises fuel surcharges from March 18, including routes to Japan, Korea, Thailand

Hong Kong Express will also increase fuel surcharges from March 18, 2026, for flights departing from Hong Kong outside Mainland China. Routes to Japan, Korea, and Thailand will see surcharges rise from HKD 140 to HKD 290.

Greater Bay Airlines to increase fuel surcharges next Wednesday

Greater Bay Airlines announced an adjustment to passenger fuel surcharges, effective next Wednesday (18th). For example, flights departing from Hong Kong, except those to Mainland China and the Maldives, will see surcharges increase from HKD 142 to HKD 290, more than doubling. Surcharges to Mainland China remain at HKD 165; flights to the Maldives will rise from HKD 284 to HKD 541, an increase of about 90%.

Fuel surcharges vary by route and local currency.

AirAsia Asia has increased fuel surcharges but has not announced the amount

AirAsia Asia stated that it raised fuel surcharges on Thursday (12th), but did not disclose the increase amount, saying it will continue to monitor market conditions for future adjustments.

Air India raises domestic and international fuel surcharges in phases

Air India announced on Wednesday (11th) that it will gradually increase fuel surcharges for domestic and international flights. Details for flights between Hong Kong and India will be announced later.

Japan Airlines (JAL) reportedly has no plans to raise fuel surcharges before April 1

Bloomberg reports that Japan Airlines (JAL) has no plans to increase fuel surcharges before April 1.

StarLux, China Airlines, and EVA Air are evaluating whether to raise fuel surcharges

StarLux, China Airlines, and EVA Air stated they will continue to observe fuel price changes and assess whether adjustments to fuel surcharges are necessary.