The Civil Aviation Department has approved applications from Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines to increase passenger fuel surcharges by 33% for two months from August 1.

The new maximum fuel surcharges will be $69 for short-haul flights, up from $52, and $318 for long-haul flights, up from $239. For more details click here.

It is an international practice for airlines to levy passenger fuel surcharges. Compared with the global average, local-route surcharges are lower.

When considering fuel-surcharge applications, the department takes into account aviation fuel prices, the operators' justification and other factors, such as other airlines' charges, regardless of whether oil prices are rising or falling.