Hong Kong Airlines has announced it is further increasing fuel surcharges for most of its flights effective from March 12, with those for short-haul tickets rising 30 percent compared to the beginning of this month.

The changes came as oil prices continued to soar amid the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with the international benchmark, Brent crude, leaping 26 percent in Asia trading on Monday to as high as US$119 a barrel before easing.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the local carrier noted that fuel surcharges for short-haul flights departing from Hong Kong will rise by HK$50 to HK$212, covering destinations such as those in Japan, South Korea and Thailand.

The surcharge for flights to the mainland will rise by HK$5, to HK$190.

Long-haul flights departing from Hong Kong will increase by HK$150, or 25 percent, to HK$739.

There are also price increases for flights coming into Hong Kong.

Separately, the city's flagship carrier, Cathay Pacific, said it had established a mechanism to review fuel surcharges each month.

“As part of this process, we primarily take into account movements in jet fuel prices, rather than crude oil prices, together with other relevant operational factors, and make adjustments where appropriate,” it said.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden