Cathay Pacific Cuts Flights Until June 2026 Amid Surging Jet Fuel Prices

HONG KONG, KOMPAS.com — Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific Airways has announced cuts to several flights during the period from mid-May to the end of June 2026.

This reduction in flight numbers comes alongside a surge in aviation turbine fuel (jet fuel) prices triggered by conflict in the Middle East.

In its official statement on Saturday (12/4/2026), Cathay Pacific stated that it will cancel around 2% of its total scheduled passenger flights during the period from 16 May to 30 June 2026.

The airline also confirmed that the temporary suspension of passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain in place until 30 June 2026.

This step is being taken amid sharp increases in operational costs due to the global surge in aviation fuel prices.

Cathay Pacific described the situation as a direct impact of prolonged geopolitical tensions in the Middle East region.

Data provided by the airline shows that the average global aviation fuel price reached US$209 per barrel in the week ending 3 April 2026, equivalent to around Rp3.57 million per barrel (assuming an exchange rate of Rp17,098 per US dollar).

This figure has surged sharply compared to US$99.40 per barrel in the week ending 27 February 2026, or around Rp1.70 million per barrel.

Cathay Pacific cited this increase as the main factor behind the decision to reduce flight capacity.

The airline added that the decision to cut capacity was a last-resort measure carefully considered after various efforts to minimise the impact on customers.

Cathay Pacific explained that the flight cancellations will primarily affect short-haul regional routes.

In addition, a small number of flights to Australia, South Asia, and South Africa will also be impacted.