High Fuel Prices Prompt Airline to Reduce Flights from May

Cathay Pacific Airways announced on Saturday (11 April 2026) that it will reduce a number of flights starting from mid-May until the end of June 2026. The reason is the surge in aircraft fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Citing CNBC International, the airline will cancel around 2% of its scheduled passenger flights from 16 May to 30 June 2026, while its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express, will cut around 6% starting from 11 May. The airline stated that the suspension of passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain in effect until 30 June. Last month, Cathay’s CEO, Ronald Lam, said the Hong Kong-based airline would continue with plans to increase passenger capacity by 10% this year, referring to strong demand for long-haul flights to North America, Europe, and Australia after the Iran war reduced traffic through the Middle East. In its statement, after June, Cathay Pacific and HK Express plan to operate all their scheduled passenger flights. The two-week ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump with Iran is unlikely to provide quick relief for the global aviation industry, executives said this week. Industry officials warn that jet fuel supplies will remain limited and expensive for months, even if Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz.