The Civil Aviation Department has given approval for four airlines to cut passenger fuel surcharges by up to 45% for the two-month period starting December 1.

The new maximum fuel-surcharge levels will be $108 for short-haul flights - a 45% reduction from current levels, and $499 for long-haul flights, a 40% cut.

The current average passenger fuel surcharges at other major international destinations are about $413 per passenger for short-haul flights, and about $1,256 per passenger for long-haul flights.

When considering whether to approve fuel-surcharge adjustments, the department takes into account aviation fuel prices, the justifications the airline operators provide and other factors, such as other airlines' charges. The airlines submit an application for fuel surcharges every two months, whether oil prices are rising or falling.

The last review was at the end of September. Then, the department approved maximum surcharge levels of $196 for short-haul flights and $832 for long-haul flights.