https://www.scmp.com/rss/31845/feed Cathay Pacific Airways was founded in 1946. It offers passenger and cargo services. Based in Hong Kong, the carrier has been one of the airlines hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused the grounding of most of its aircraft due to a near-total collapse in demand for air travel. Cathay Pacific was forced to axe thousands of jobs, reduce its routes and adopt other cost-cutting measures as part of a "structural change" to protect itself until it can resume regular flights. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com SCMP SCMP Turnover soars as Cathay takes off By Jerry Norton This article was first published on May 16, 1986 Cathay Pacific Airways had a memorable take-off in the stock market yesterday, accounting for a massive $446 million worth of turnover, more than the combined value of all other shares traded. The action in the rest of the market was strictly pedestrian, however, as the excitement over Cathay failed to spill over to other shares and the Hang Seng index dropped 27 points. In volume terms, 86.6... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353580/cathay-pacific-debuts-hong-kong-stock-exchange-1986-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3353580/cathay-pacific-debuts-hong-kong-stock-exchange-1986-scmp-archive?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 15 May 2026 03:15:05 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will move forward its boarding gate closure times by five minutes and will start boarding passengers five minutes earlier to help ensure on-time departures. The airline said on Thursday that, from June 1, its boarding gates at Hong Kong International Airport would close 15 minutes before departure. The carrier’s boarding time will also be brought forward by five minutes. Cathay explained that late-arriving or no-show passengers were a key cause of... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353538/cathay-pacific-shortens-hong-kong-boarding-gate-closure-times-5-minutes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353538/cathay-pacific-shortens-hong-kong-boarding-gate-closure-times-5-minutes?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 May 2026 07:36:39 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Budget carrier HK Express will cut its fuel surcharge on flights departing Hong Kong to overseas destinations by 12.8 per cent from May 16, reducing the fee by HK$50 (US$6.38) to HK$339 per leg, the airline has said. The reduction, revealed on its website on Wednesday, excludes mainland China routes, and follows lower fuel prices amid the Middle East war. The budget carrier of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways also said the surcharge for inbound medium-haul journeys, such as those departing... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353443/hk-express-cuts-surcharge-128-fuel-prices-ease-amid-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3353443/hk-express-cuts-surcharge-128-fuel-prices-ease-amid-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 10:30:49 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Guy Bradley has assumed the role of chairman of Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways and Swire Coca-Cola, succeeding Patrick Healy, who will retire from the group after more than three decades of service. Bradley, 60, is also chairman of Swire Pacific, John Swire & Sons (HK) and Swire Properties. He was appointed chairman of the conglomerate’s airline and bottling operations last December. He previously said that, as chair of the Cathay Group, he would focus on enhancing the company’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353382/guy-bradley-takes-helm-cathay-chairman-patrick-healy-retires-after-3-decades?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3353382/guy-bradley-takes-helm-cathay-chairman-patrick-healy-retires-after-3-decades?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 05:33:13 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will lower its fuel surcharges for passenger flights by as much as 12.9 per cent from May 16, after a series of increases that began in March. For long-haul flights, the surcharge will fall from HK$1,560 (US$199) to HK$1,362 per leg of the trip. The rate for medium-haul journeys, such as those between Hong Kong and South Asia, will drop to HK$633, down from HK$725. The surcharge for short-haul flights will also be lowered from HK$389 to HK$339, a... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352929/cathay-pacific-lower-fuel-surcharges-passenger-flights-14?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352929/cathay-pacific-lower-fuel-surcharges-passenger-flights-14?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2026 11:05:42 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial It is springtime for Hong Kong’s bond issuers. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has just offered the largest Hong Kong dollar-denominated bond series ever. It follows a public offering of Hong Kong dollar-denominated green bonds by the MTR Corporation. Cathay Pacific, the city’s flagship airline, has also raised HK$2.08 billion (US$265.4 million) by selling Hong Kong dollar-denominated bonds, marking its first foray into the local-currency debt market. All three offerings were well received,... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352587/blooming-bond-market-shows-trust-hong-kong-dollar-assets?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3352587/blooming-bond-market-shows-trust-hong-kong-dollar-assets?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 22:45:05 +0000 Eric Jiang Eric Jiang Fewer than 5 per cent of Hong Kong flights for May and June combined have been cancelled, and about 1 per cent for the peak July travel period, aviation authorities have said, despite a global fuel crisis triggered by war in the Middle East. The figures were shared in Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan’s response to a lawmaker’s question, with the minister also revealing the Airport Authority planned to review charges to ease the financial burden on the aviation industry. The Civil... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352602/airport-authority-reports-less-5-cancellations-despite-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3352602/airport-authority-reports-less-5-cancellations-despite-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 08:37:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Were it not for being expressly told that his uncooperative body would no longer allow him to play rugby, Anthony Watson would still be electrifying audiences in the autumn of a stellar career. Capped 56 times by England and a World Cup finalist in 2019, Watson was 30 when he succumbed last year to the back injury that had plagued him for the previous 12 months. It would be understandable if he harboured more than a trace of regret but for Watson the “clean break” from life as an exceptional... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3351360/ex-england-star-anthony-watson-backs-hong-kong-show-they-belong-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hong-kong-rugby-union/article/3351360/ex-england-star-anthony-watson-backs-hong-kong-show-they-belong-rugby-world-cup?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 25 Apr 2026 00:00:20 +0000 Denise Tsang Denise Tsang Cathay Pacific Airways has raised HK$2.08 billion (US$265.4 million) by selling Hong Kong dollar-denominated bonds to boost its working capital, tapping the Hong Kong dollar public bond market for the first time. Hong Kong’s flag carrier said on Friday that the bond issuance was the biggest of its kind by a locally based, non-public sector company. The three-year bonds, which carry a fixed interest rate of 3.78 per cent, were sold mainly to professional investors such as asset managers, banks... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351358/cathay-raises-hk208-billion-after-tapping-public-bond-market-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351358/cathay-raises-hk208-billion-after-tapping-public-bond-market-first-time?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:57:46 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A 51-year-old cancer patient who collapsed on a Cathay Pacific Airways flight to Hong Kong from the United Kingdom was pronounced dead on Friday morning. Flight CX216 took off from Manchester and landed at Hong Kong International Airport at 6.52am on Friday, with police receiving a report about the man’s condition at 6.16am. The passenger, Shum Chung-lai, had suffered from pancreatic cancer since June last year. He emigrated to the UK in 2022 with his wife and two children but had to fly back to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3351228/man-dies-after-fainting-cathay-pacific-flight-uk-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3351228/man-dies-after-fainting-cathay-pacific-flight-uk-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 24 Apr 2026 01:41:29 +0000 Kolette Lim Kolette Lim Hong Kong International Airport expects revenue to grow by up to 10 per cent this year despite disruptions from the Iran conflict, with its chief executive aiming to position it as an alternative hub to the Middle East. In a wide-ranging interview with the South China Morning Post on Thursday, Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO Vivian Cheung Kar-fay said flights that had been cancelled due to the conflict – including those by flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways – were those that were “less... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351196/hong-kong-airports-revenue-expected-grow-10-despite-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3351196/hong-kong-airports-revenue-expected-grow-10-despite-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:35:35 +0000 Sam Beltran Sam Beltran As Southeast Asia’s tourism sector takes a hit from the Iran war, a pivot to serving as alternative flight hubs may help to save the industry. The region’s major airlines are seeing rising demand for European routes as travellers avoid Middle Eastern hubs amid disruptive drone and missile attacks, according to Reuters. Singapore Airlines has joined other major Asian carriers, such as Cathay Pacific, Korean Air and Qantas Airways, in posting strong performances on Europe flights in March. The... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3351081/how-southeast-asias-aviation-hubs-are-capturing-traffic-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3351081/how-southeast-asias-aviation-hubs-are-capturing-traffic-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 23 Apr 2026 03:55:40 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong’s major retailers are using aggressive tactics such as direct sourcing and leveraging massive economies of scale to avoid raising prices despite surging logistics costs arising from the war in the Middle East. But their resilience is being seriously tested for certain goods, with a leading cosmetics chain warning that shipping and airfreight costs have already surged by up to 15 per cent. Sa Sa International chairman Simon Kwok Siu-ming told the South China Morning Post on Friday that... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350713/hong-kong-retailers-leverage-scale-sourcing-offset-war-driven-cost-pressures?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350713/hong-kong-retailers-leverage-scale-sourcing-offset-war-driven-cost-pressures?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara South Africa ended 29 years of hurt, brutally and ruthlessly wresting the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens crown from Argentina at a charged Kai Tak Stadium on Sunday. The king may be dead, but rugby sevens has anointed a new all-powerful monarch. On easy street from the ninth minute, when Ryan Oosthuizen crossed to open up a 12-point lead, South Africa ran riot. They added 16 points in the closing five minutes to win 35-7, claiming their first Hong Kong title and a fourth straight world series... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350648/south-africa-end-nearly-30-years-hurt-finally-grab-cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-crown?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:28 +0000 Josh Ball Josh Ball Hong Kong brought the curtain down on its 50th anniversary Sevens in front of another record crowd on Sunday, and with the head of World Rugby calling the city a “significant global player”. According to organisers, some 113,395 supporters passed through the gates over the three days of the Cathay Pacific/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, the biggest official attendance since the tournament began in 1976. And while New Zealand’s women successfully defended their title, South Africa’s men won in Hong Kong... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350650/hong-kong-recognised-global-player-world-rugby-after-record-breaking-sevens-party?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:52:42 +0000 Ng Kang-chung Ng Kang-chung Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm carried more passengers in March than a year ago, despite the impact of the US-Israel war against Iran. Cathay Group also said on Friday that it aimed to restore all flights after June. The company earlier announced it was cutting the number of Cathay Pacific flights by 2 per cent and HK Express services by 6 per cent between mid-May and the end of June. The group attributed the passenger growth to a spate of mega-events in the... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350510/cathay-pacific-hk-express-passenger-counts-despite-impact-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350510/cathay-pacific-hk-express-passenger-counts-despite-impact-mideast-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 12:00:19 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Asian airlines are cutting flights, raising fares and reshuffling networks as the Iran war sends jet fuel prices soaring, leaving carriers across the region scrambling to protect their margins and preserve key routes. The shock has hit Asia especially hard because many economies depend heavily on fuel flows from the Middle East, according to aviation analysts, and some regional carriers are less protected from sudden price spikes than their counterparts in Europe or the US. “The impact has been... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3350497/asian-airlines-face-major-headwind-jet-fuel-costs-forcing-flight-changes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3350497/asian-airlines-face-major-headwind-jet-fuel-costs-forcing-flight-changes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:49:33 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport The talking is done, the planning is over and all that is left is for the fans to enter the stadium and the players to get onto the pitch. It’s 50th anniversary Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, and as usual there is plenty you should know about the three days that lie ahead. So, here’s our handy guide to some things you should know on Friday. 1 It’s a sell-out Anyone hoping to grab a three-day ticket is going to be disappointed, according to organisers, who say they have all sold out. All that... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350371/boks-chasing-first-title-tickets-sell-out-5-things-know-day-1-hong-kong-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 01:00:26 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Bryn Phillips is aiming to inspire the next generation of city players at the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens, while also plotting his exit strategy from a high-achieving career. A key member of the 12-man Hong Kong squad for the exhibition Melrose Claymores tournament at Kai Tak Stadium, the scrum-half is ultimately aiming to follow in the footsteps of teammates Tom and Alex McQueen and become an airline pilot. Playing his ninth year of international rugby, however, Phillips has plenty more he... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3350306/hong-kong-rugby-star-aiming-inspire-sevens-plotting-cathay-career?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:17 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport It feels as though we have been talking about the 50th anniversary of the Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens for months, which, in fairness, some people have. Planning for the week has been serious business, both for organisers and those with three days of partying and rugby in mind. And as usual, there is as much action off the pitch as on it, with K-pop artists, a Eurodance group and DJs all performing at Kai Tak Stadium. But making the most of what to see and do requires almost as much groundwork... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350362/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-event-planner-your-guide-ultimate-sports-party?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/article/3350362/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-event-planner-your-guide-ultimate-sports-party?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:00:16 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Greater Bay Airlines has suspended most of its flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok for more than four months amid surging fuel prices driven by the conflict in the Middle East. The airline’s website showed that as of 8pm on Thursday no flights were available between Hong Kong and Bangkok for most of the dates between May 12 and September 22. The carrier said it had adjusted its services due to rising fuel prices and apologised to affected travellers. “Due to the continued rise in fuel prices... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3350268/greater-bay-airlines-suspends-bangkok-flights-over-4-months-amid-fuel-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3350268/greater-bay-airlines-suspends-bangkok-flights-over-4-months-amid-fuel-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Apr 2026 06:08:11 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Attendance numbers at Hong Kong Sevens are expected to be resilient despite travel concerns over conflict in the Middle East, the event’s organiser has said, even though some operators have warned of potential pressure from rising costs and flight disruptions. The flagship rugby tournament, which runs from Friday to Sunday this week, traditionally draws tens of thousands of overseas visitors each year. But this year’s event is taking place more than a month after the United States and Israel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350121/could-middle-east-conflict-dent-turnout-hong-kong-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3350121/could-middle-east-conflict-dent-turnout-hong-kong-rugby-sevens?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:08 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li Passenger flight cuts triggered by surging fuel prices could temporarily affect Hong Kong’s status as a regional transit hub, aviation experts say, with the impact depending on how long the Middle East conflict lasts. Steven Cheung King-lung, chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Airline Pilots Association, said on Monday that the city faced fierce competition not only from Singapore, but also from the wider Greater Bay Area, Japan and South Korea. “While Hong Kong is no more susceptible [to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349860/impact-middle-east-war-hong-kongs-aviation-hub-status-relative-experts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349860/impact-middle-east-war-hong-kongs-aviation-hub-status-relative-experts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 06:22:00 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A genuine Olympic star with two medals from three Games, Charity Williams is planning to “have a blast” on her Kai Tak Stadium debut at this week’s Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens. The Canada wing sat out a series of Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) training matches on Saturday, icing her shoulder as her side faced Fiji, Denmark and the city team. And there is no danger of “just a little stinger” ruling the 29-year-old out for a second straight year. “It’s still awesome to be here [HKSI], this is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3349748/cathay/hsbc-hong-kong-sevens-canada-olympic-star-williams-plans-having-blast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Wynna Wong,Fiona Sun Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will cancel a small proportion of passenger flights between mid-May and the end of June, as surging jet fuel prices driven by the war in the Middle East continue to weigh on airlines globally. The airline said on Saturday that about 2 per cent of its total flight frequencies would be cut between May 16 and June 30, mainly on regional routes, as well as a small number of services to Australia, South Asia and South Africa. Cathay Pacific’s budget arm,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349743/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-and-hk-express-cut-some-flights-jet-fuel-prices-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3349743/hong-kongs-cathay-pacific-and-hk-express-cut-some-flights-jet-fuel-prices-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:10:45 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong bus company boss Martin Lau feels overwhelmed as he attempts every option possible to minimise mounting losses wrought by runaway fuel prices. He has done everything he can think of, from trying to reduce services to doing his own repairs on his fleet of more than 20 coaches. Lau, managing director of ABC Touring Car Company, told the South China Morning Post that he and his team had no choice for now but to absorb the losses as there was no help he could access. “The reality is cruel,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349564/oil-crisis-just-start-economic-pain-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349564/oil-crisis-just-start-economic-pain-hongkongers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:30:09 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse Buffeted by six weeks of war in the Middle East, airlines have scrambled to trim routes and costs as fuel bills explode and wary clients think twice about their travel plans, a situation that could persist even if a fragile truce holds. Carriers have largely halted flights in the Gulf region, with Air France announcing this week that it was extending its suspensions until May 3 – a decision a source said was made before this week’s ceasefire between the United States and Iran. With no certainty... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3349544/why-us-iran-truce-may-not-end-high-airfares-and-flight-disruptions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/middle-east/article/3349544/why-us-iran-truce-may-not-end-high-airfares-and-flight-disruptions?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:11 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hong Kong traveller Mr Lau is among those turning to high-speed rail trips or flights to mainland China after being deterred from international air travel by rising costs, particularly fuel surcharges, as war in the Middle East rages. The 34-year-old, who was travelling to neighbouring Guangzhou with his wife for a three-day trip on a high-speed train on Friday, said he had done some calculations since airlines’ fuel surcharges rose, noting that a return train trip between the two cities cost... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349064/hong-kong-tourists-choose-safety-affordability-trips-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3349064/hong-kong-tourists-choose-safety-affordability-trips-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 04:32:30 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen From controlling the weight of aircraft to sending more flights to Europe via Russian airspace, Chinese airlines have adopted a range of measures in response to the surge in oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict that threatens to crimp their razor-thin margins. A number of carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, have been enforcing more precise and complex cost management measures in recent weeks to save fuel, according to industry insiders. They include stricter load and weight... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348919/chinese-airlines-shed-weight-add-flights-over-russia-trim-fuel-costs-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348919/chinese-airlines-shed-weight-add-flights-over-russia-trim-fuel-costs-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:02:09 +0000 Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu Matthew Cheng,Wynna Wong,Theodora Yu More than 685,000 residents left Hong Kong as the Easter break got under way on Friday, even as some said ongoing geopolitical tensions had made them more cautious about drawing up future travel plans. An industry leader noted that more Hongkongers had chosen to travel to mainland China, with the ongoing war in the Middle East disrupting air traffic and prompting local airlines to raise fuel surcharges. Immigration statistics for Friday showed that 685,149 residents had left Hong Kong as of 9pm,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348874/hongkongers-opt-mainland-chinese-tours-during-easter-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 02:58:57 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Hong Kong authorities are closely monitoring the war in the Middle East sparked by the US-Israel attack on Iran and the resulting volatility in global oil prices, although the immediate impact on the city’s economy remains limited, the finance chief has said. Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po also said on Sunday that while geopolitical instability had shaken international investor sentiment, the city’s financial markets continued to operate in an “orderly and smooth” manner, with capital flows... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348287/finance-chief-says-hong-kong-remains-stable-oil-prices-surge-amid-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3348287/finance-chief-says-hong-kong-remains-stable-oil-prices-surge-amid-global-turmoil?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 07:26:45 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Air passengers departing from Hong Kong have said they were unaware of a new rule limiting the number of power banks they can carry to two, with few reminder signs visible at the airport on the first day of its enforcement on Sunday. The concerns were raised after Hong Kong International Airport announced on Saturday night that departing passengers were restricted to carrying no more than two power banks each on flights. Citing new regulations from the International Civil Aviation Organization... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348275/hong-kong-passengers-caught-guard-new-airport-limit-2-power-banks?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 29 Mar 2026 04:24:51 +0000 Danny Mok Danny Mok All passengers departing from Hong Kong International Airport are now prohibited from carrying more than two power banks, effective immediately, the Airport Authority announced on Saturday night. Citing new rules from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and Hong Kong’s Civil Aviation Department, the authority said the global body had announced the requirements to address emerging safety risks posed by lithium battery power banks. Under the new rules, each departing passenger... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348269/hong-kong-airport-caps-power-banks-2-passenger-line-global-rule?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348269/hong-kong-airport-caps-power-banks-2-passenger-line-global-rule?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 16:21:33 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Wynna Wong Jeffie Lam,Wynna Wong Greater Bay Airlines has become the latest Hong Kong-based carrier to raise its fuel surcharges by 34 per cent amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with the fee for destinations other than mainland China set to hit HK$389 (US$50). China’s largest courier, SF Express, also said on Friday it would switch to adjusting its fuel surcharge rates from a monthly to a weekly basis beginning in April because of the “continuous and frequent fluctuations” of international oil prices. Global fuel... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348094/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-charges-34-joining-other-hong-kong-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3348094/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-charges-34-joining-other-hong-kong-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 05:14:56 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying,Natalie Wong Lo Hoi-ying,Natalie Wong Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will increase its fuel surcharge for all flights by 34 per cent from April – the second increase in two weeks – citing “considerable pressure” as the war in the Middle East affects oil prices. The airline said on Thursday that considering the scale of recent surges in jet fuel prices, its fuel hedging measures were “insufficient” to mitigate and recover the cost. Fuel accounted for around 30 per cent of its operating costs last year, it said. From... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348004/cathay-increase-fuel-surcharge-all-flights-34-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3348004/cathay-increase-fuel-surcharge-all-flights-34-april?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:34:06 +0000 Connor Mycroft,Kevin Li Connor Mycroft,Kevin Li Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways’ extended suspension of its Middle Eastern flights is likely to have a limited financial impact on its passenger operations as its expanded European services should help offset losses, aviation experts have said. But they warned of broader effects on its cargo business, given the loss of the Middle East as a historically cost-effective transit route and the upwards pressure on fuel and insurance prices due to the war. The airline announced on Tuesday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347766/cathays-european-services-could-offset-middle-east-losses-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347766/cathays-european-services-could-offset-middle-east-losses-experts-say?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:30:07 +0000 Matthew Cheng Matthew Cheng Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has further extended its suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East until the end of May, amid a regional conflict that shows little sign of abating. But the airline will increase flights to Europe starting next month to cater to surging demand. The airline has extended its suspension of Middle East routes at least four times since early March. It announced just last week that services would be cancelled until the end of April. In an... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347697/suspension-cathay-pacific-flights-between-hong-kong-middle-east-extended-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3347697/suspension-cathay-pacific-flights-between-hong-kong-middle-east-extended-end-may?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 08:08:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Fresh from being honoured at the Hong Kong Coaching Awards last weekend, Paul John said he still had unfinished business as head of the city’s sevens programme. Into his 10th year in the role, John was rewarded with the best team coach prize after Hong Kong’s men claimed National Games gold and strolled to Asia Rugby Sevens Series success in 2025. This year began on a low note, however, when the city team narrowly lost an HSBC SVNS 3 semi-final to Canada, costing them promotion to the second... https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/rugby/hk-sevens/article/3347627/hong-kong-sevens-head-has-unfinished-business-underlines-world-and-olympic-aims?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Jeffie Lam,Oscar Liu Jeffie Lam,Oscar Liu Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has further extended its suspension of all flights to and from the Middle East until the end of April amid the ongoing conflict in the region. Observers said on Wednesday that war-driven drops in demand had made some routes commercially unviable, while noting the impact on travellers would be limited as regional carriers still maintained essential services. Cathay Pacific said flights between Hong Kong and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346957/cathay-extends-hong-kong-middle-east-flight-suspension-until-end-april?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346957/cathay-extends-hong-kong-middle-east-flight-suspension-until-end-april?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Mar 2026 03:37:48 +0000 Wynna Wong Wynna Wong Demand for some regional holiday destinations among Hong Kong travellers has jumped by as much as 30 per cent ahead of Easter, as locals seek to avoid long-haul trips amid rising airfares and disrupted routes caused by the ongoing war in Iran, according to industry players. Travel agencies said the number of inquiries for trips to Japan, South Korea, mainland China and Australia had risen by between 10 and 30 per cent since the war escalated, while demand for destinations linked to the Middle... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346683/30-jump-demand-regional-holidays-among-hongkongers-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346683/30-jump-demand-regional-holidays-among-hongkongers-amid-middle-east-war?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:30:16 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial The fallout from the American-Israeli war against Iran is worsening as the world economy faces mounting inflationary pressure caused by energy supply disruption. Export-driven economies in Asia are especially exposed and need to take immediate measures to counter the impact of supply shortages. Hong Kong has, to an extent, been shielded by the enormous Chinese economy, but it is not entirely immune. Some local industry insiders have warned that rising fuel prices may have to be passed on to... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346485/hong-kong-should-work-ensure-steady-fuel-supply-amid-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346485/hong-kong-should-work-ensure-steady-fuel-supply-amid-war-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 23:15:09 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways plans to hire 3,000 employees globally this year, including pilots and flight attendants, to support its growth plan, with the airline expressing strong confidence in its future expansion potential. The carrier launched its global recruitment drive in Beijing on Saturday as part of efforts to attract more talent from mainland China to support its future development plans, including promoting inbound tourism. Currently, the company has more than... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346613/beijing-first-stop-cathay-launches-global-drive-hire-3000-workers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346613/beijing-first-stop-cathay-launches-global-drive-hire-3000-workers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:52:05 +0000 Divia Harilela Divia Harilela Douglas Young is the co-founder and creative force behind the iconic lifestyle brand Goods of Desire (G.O.D). Bringing humour and creativity, the brand offers home furnishings, fashion and premium gifts with a distinct Hong Kong identity. Who are your top local style icons? David Tang, Josephine Siao, Bruce Lee and Labubu. What has been the city’s best creative export in the last 20 years? Cathay Pacific. They consistently maintain high standards when it comes to design. They are patrons to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3346355/their-words-douglas-young-founder-hong-kong-lifestyle-brand-god?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/icons-influencers/article/3346355/their-words-douglas-young-founder-hong-kong-lifestyle-brand-god?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:09 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Cathay Pacific Airways posting a third consecutive year of profits was welcome proof the Hong Kong flag carrier has stayed the course to rebuild a solid foundation after pandemic turbulence. After emerging from those dark financial clouds, it must now nimbly navigate the next economic storm – an increasingly unpredictable era of global volatility. Net profit climbed 9.5 per cent to HK$10.82 billion (US$1.38 billion) in 2025, driven by the carrier’s 27 per cent surge in passenger numbers and a... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346467/cathay-pacific-must-remain-vigilant-navigate-new-turbulence?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3346467/cathay-pacific-must-remain-vigilant-navigate-new-turbulence?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 22:45:08 +0000 Connor Mycroft Connor Mycroft Greater Bay Airlines will more than double its fuel surcharge on certain routes starting next week, becoming the last Hong Kong passenger carrier to raise prices as war rages in the Middle East. The airline announced on Friday it would raise prices due to “surging fuel costs”, with the change taking effect on March 18. The surcharge on the carrier’s flights originating from Hong Kong for all destinations except mainland China and the Maldives will increase by 104 per cent, from HK$142 (US$18) to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346454/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-joining-hong-kong-rivals-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346454/greater-bay-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-joining-hong-kong-rivals-costs-soar?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 05:18:47 +0000 Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Conglomerate Swire Pacific has sold part of its stake in Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.8 billion (US$230.8 million) to raise working capital. In a rare move, the group revealed on Friday that it had sold 153.05 million shares at HK$11.74 each the previous day. This was a 9.6 per cent discount to the last traded price on Thursday of HK$12.99 per share. Swire is the latest shareholder to reduce its stake in Cathay, following a sale by Air China in January for HK$1.32... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:40:00 +0000 Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Leopold Chen,Harvey Kong Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm HK Express will double their fuel surcharges next week, following a similar move by another Hong Kong carrier amid rising oil prices driven by conflict in the Middle East. The city’s flag carrier said on Thursday the increase would apply to tickets issued on March 18 or later. “The price of jet fuel has approximately doubled since March amid the latest developments in the Middle East,” Cathay said, citing the surge as the reason for the higher... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346338/cathay-pacific-nearly-double-fuel-surcharge-wednesday-costs-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 07:49:40 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Cathay Pacific Airways’ net profit climbed by 9.5 per cent to HK$10.82 billion (US$1.39 billion) in 2025, driven by increased capacity and robust cargo demand, but the Hong Kong flag carrier has warned of higher fuel surcharges due to conflict in the Middle East, ongoing supply chain disruptions and inflated costs. Cathay Group chairman Patrick Healy said on Wednesday that the results marked the airline’s third consecutive year of profits. But he cautioned that global geopolitical tensions were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346177/cathay-posts-95-rise-profit-hk1082-billion-warns-geopolitical-risks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346177/cathay-posts-95-rise-profit-hk1082-billion-warns-geopolitical-risks?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Mar 2026 04:45:46 +0000 Oscar Liu,Theodora Yu Oscar Liu,Theodora Yu Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways has extended the suspension of all flights to and from Dubai until the end of March amid the war in the Middle East. The airline announced on Tuesday that all services between Hong Kong and the commercial hub in the United Arab Emirates would be cancelled up to March 31. Flights travelling between the city and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will also be suspended until the end of the month. The move extends an earlier suspension that had been set to run until... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346081/cathay-extends-flight-suspension-dubai-riyadh-until-march-31-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346081/cathay-extends-flight-suspension-dubai-riyadh-until-march-31-amid-war?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 07:28:51 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong Airlines will raise its fuel surcharges by up to 35.2 per cent from Thursday amid soaring oil prices driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East, becoming the first local carrier to do so. The airline announced on its website on Tuesday that fuel surcharges on tickets issued on or after March 12 would increase. Travellers on flights between Hong Kong and the Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal will face the sharpest increases, with charges rising 35.2 per cent from HK$284 (US$36) to... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346054/hong-kong-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-35-amid-oil-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3346054/hong-kong-airlines-raise-fuel-surcharges-35-amid-oil-price-surge?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Mar 2026 04:35:33 +0000