The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong last Friday (August 20) gave approval for passenger fuel surcharges levied by three airlines to be reduced for the period from September 1 to 30, 2010. 

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be $97 for short-haul flights and $481 for long-haul flights, which represent a reduction of 1% and 5% from the current maximum levels for short and long-haul flights respectively. The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date. (These airlines and their newly approved fuel surcharge levels are listed in the Annex.)

Passenger fuel surcharges seek to allow airlines to partially recover the increase in operational costs due to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices.  As the aeronautical authority in Hong Kong, the CAD considers and approves fuel surcharge applications from the airlines in accordance with bilateral Air Services Agreements.

Passenger fuel surcharges are reviewed regularly by the CAD.  The last review was done at the end of July when the maximum surcharge levels approved by the CAD were $98 for short-haul flights and $505 for long-haul flights.