In response to rising oil prices, several airlines have announced that they will increase ticket prices. This may happen either through higher base fares or through fuel surcharges included in the ticket price.
Cathay Pacific has now chosen the latter approach. In a notice to sales partners, the Oneworld member announced that it will double its fuel surcharges. This will affect both paid tickets and award flights.
The following changes will apply to newly booked tickets from March 18, 2026 (Hong Kong time):
- Long-haul flights: $149 instead of $73 (+105%)
- Hong Kong – South Asia: $69 instead of $34 (+105%)
- Other routes: $37 instead of $18 (+104%)
These prices apply per flight segment. For example, an award flight Munich – Hong Kong – Auckland in Business Class currently costs 115,000 AsiaMiles + €296 in surcharges. In the future, the surcharge will rise to €429, consisting of €261 in fuel surcharges and €168 in “real” taxes and fees.
Because the surcharges are not tied to the travel class, they will be even more noticeable in Economy Class. For paid tickets, however, Cathay may adjust the base ticket price if necessary to remain competitive with other airlines.
Translated by Ditmar