HK Express Increases Fuel Surcharge in Response to Soaring Oil Prices from Middle East Tensions

Low-cost carrier HK Express has announced a significant increase in its passenger fuel surcharge, effective for tickets issued on or after March 18, 2026. The adjustment follows a sharp rise in global aviation fuel costs, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which has disrupted oil supplies and pushed international crude prices substantially higher.

As a subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, HK Express explained that jet fuel represents one of its largest operating expenses, and recent volatility in fuel prices has directly affected the airline's overall cost structure. After carefully assessing current fuel price trends and the broader operating environment, the carrier decided to raise surcharges to help mitigate these elevated costs. This move aligns with similar actions taken by other Hong Kong-based airlines, including parent company Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, amid jet fuel prices that have roughly doubled since early March due to the regional instability.

For flights departing from Hong Kong to destinations outside mainland China, the fuel surcharge per sector will double from HK$140 to HK$290, representing an increase of HK$150 or more than 107 percent. Routes to mainland China remain unchanged at HK$165 per sector.

Inbound flights to Hong Kong vary by origin. No increases apply for flights from Japan (remaining at JPY 5,000 per sector), South Korea (KRW 22,000), the Philippines, or mainland China. However, adjustments have been made for several other markets: Taiwan's surcharge rises from TWD 570 to TWD 1,170, Thailand from THB 570 to THB 1,170, Vietnam from US$18 to US$37.10, and Malaysia from MYR 80 to MYR 150.

Taking Hong Kong–Japan round-trip flights as an example, passengers will now incur a total fuel surcharge of approximately HK$536, comprising HK$290 for the outbound leg and the equivalent of about HK$246 for the inbound JPY 5,000 sector.

HK Express emphasized that the fuel surcharge applies per passenger per sector and is incorporated into the total ticket price, calculated in the currency of the outbound journey's point of origin. It covers all fare types, including regular and award tickets, though infants under two years old traveling without a seat are exempt.

The airline noted that fuel surcharges remain subject to periodic review and adjustment based on prevailing oil market conditions. Travelers booking upcoming trips, particularly to popular short-haul destinations in Asia, are advised to account for these updated charges, as they could noticeably increase the final cost of low-fare tickets on affected routes. The changes reflect broader industry pressures from the ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East, which continue to influence global energy markets and aviation operations.