Cathay Pacific Airways will reduce flight capacity between mid-May and the end of June 2026 due to higher jet fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
The Hong Kong-based airline plans to cancel about two per cent of its scheduled passenger flights from May 16 to June 30, 2026, while its low-cost subsidiary HK Express will cut around six per cent of flights from May 11. Services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain suspended until June 30.
The adjustments come as fuel prices have risen sharply. According to CNA, data from the International Air Transport Association shows the global average jet fuel price reached US$209 per barrel for the week ending April 3, up from US$99.40 per barrel in the week ending February 27. The airline said rising crude oil and refinery costs are driving the increase.
Despite the temporary reductions, Cathay Pacific has maintained its broader growth plans. CEO Ronald Lam said the airline intends to expand passenger capacity by 10 per cent in 2026, supported by demand for longhaul routes to North America, Europe and Australia. Traffic through the Middle East has been affected by the conflict involving Iran.
The airline expects to resume its full schedule after June, with both Cathay Pacific and HK Express planning to operate all scheduled passenger services beyond that period.
Industry conditions are expected to remain challenging in the near term. Reuters reported that aviation executives said a recent two-week ceasefire involving Iran is unlikely to ease pressure on fuel supply quickly, with constraints expected to persist even if shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz reopen.
Cathay Pacific said the decision to reduce capacity was taken as a last resort and apologised to customers for any inconvenience caused.
