Cathay Pacific has indicated that it will raise fuel surcharges on passenger tickets after a sharp increase in oil and jet fuel prices triggered by the ongoing war in the Middle East.

The Hong Kong-based airline said surcharges would rise following a spike in fuel costs during March, reflecting mounting pressure on aviation companies worldwide as the conflict disrupts energy markets and key transport routes.

The carrier reviews its fuel surcharges regularly and adjusts them in response to fluctuations in global fuel prices.

Fuel is one of the largest operating expenses for airlines, and the surge in energy costs has quickly rippled through the aviation sector.

Jet fuel prices have climbed significantly in recent weeks as geopolitical tensions and military activity in the region have disrupted supply chains and shipping routes used to transport crude oil and refined products.

The conflict has also affected aviation operations more broadly.

Airlines across Asia and Europe have been forced to reroute flights to avoid airspace over parts of the Middle East, adding distance, fuel consumption and operational costs to long-haul routes between Asia and Europe.

These changes have intensified pressure on airlines already coping with volatile energy markets.

Cathay Pacific said its surcharge adjustments follow a standard industry practice in which carriers apply additional fees to offset rapid swings in fuel costs.

The airline typically reviews the level of its surcharges monthly, calculating the charges based on prevailing jet fuel prices and regulatory frameworks in relevant markets.

Previously, surcharges on long-haul flights from Hong Kong to destinations such as Europe and North America had been held steady before the latest spike in fuel costs.

Across the global aviation industry, airlines have warned that the conflict in the Middle East could continue pushing up ticket prices if energy markets remain volatile.

Jet fuel prices have surged to near multi-year highs amid supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical risk, forcing carriers to reconsider pricing strategies and operational planning.

The broader aviation market is experiencing mixed effects from the crisis.

While rising costs are placing pressure on airline finances, disruptions to traditional transit hubs in the Gulf have also shifted passenger demand toward alternative routes operated by Asian carriers.

For Cathay Pacific, the surcharge increase highlights the direct impact that geopolitical tensions and energy market volatility can have on the cost of international air travel, particularly on long-haul routes that depend heavily on stable fuel supply.