Cathay Pacific and its budget subsidiary HK Express are scaling back flights from mid-May through June 2026, citing mounting pressure from soaring fuel costs tied to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The flight reductions were reported by Hong Kong Free Press.
Cathay Pacific said it will cancel around 2% of its flights between May 16 to June 30, 2026, with most cuts affecting regional routes. A smaller number of services to Australia, South Asia, and South Africa will also be affected. HK Express, meanwhile, will trim roughly 6% of its flights from May 11 to June 30, 2026.
Both carriers pointed to the sharp rise in jet fuel prices as the main driver. According to data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global average price of jet fuel doubled in just over a month, climbing from US$99.40 per barrel for the week ending February 27, 2026 to US$209 per barrel for the week ending April 3, 2026.
Cathay said it had tried other measures before resorting to capacity cuts.
“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,” the airline said in a statement. “Despite our best efforts, the measures we have taken to mitigate the heightened fuel costs have not been enough. Cutting back on capacity has always been our last resort.”
Cathay raised fuel surcharges by 34% on April 1, 2026, just two weeks after doubling the fees. HK Express also increased surcharges on most routes, with the exception of flights to and from mainland China.
The carriers said that passengers affected by the cancellations will be offered alternative flights within 24 hours of their original departure times.
The airline also confirmed it would extend the suspension of flights to Dubai and Riyadh until at least June 30, 2026 due to the situation in the region.
The current crisis in the Middle East was triggered by Israeli and US attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, which has since disrupted global oil markets.
