Cathay Pacific Traffic Rises but Soaring Fuel Costs Force Limited Flight Cuts

Cathay Pacific Airways ( (HK:0293) ) just unveiled an update.

The Cathay Group reported strong passenger and cargo demand in March 2026, with Cathay Pacific carrying 24% more passengers than a year earlier and available seat kilometres rising 9%. Over the first quarter of 2026, passenger numbers increased 20% year on year, underscoring a solid recovery in travel demand.

Management highlighted that the conflict in the Middle East has diverted traffic flows toward alternative hubs, boosting volumes on Cathay’s routes. However, a sharp rise in global jet fuel prices since early March has created substantial cost pressures, forcing the group to slightly cut capacity and consolidate a small proportion of flights in May and June.

About 2% of Cathay Pacific’s and 6% of HK Express’s flight frequencies will be affected over that period as the airline seeks to offset higher fuel costs. The group aims to operate its full scheduled passenger programme beyond June, while retaining flexibility to adjust operations in response to fuel price movements and geopolitical developments, with implications for customers, partners and Hong Kong’s aviation connectivity.

The most recent analyst rating on (HK:0293) stock is a Buy with a HK$14.90 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Cathay Pacific Airways stock, see the HK:0293 Stock Forecast page.

More about Cathay Pacific Airways

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited is a Hong Kong-based international airline group listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. It provides passenger and cargo air transport services through its Cathay Pacific and HK Express brands, with a strategic focus on supporting Hong Kong’s role as a major international aviation hub.

Average Trading Volume: 15,016,459

Technical Sentiment Signal: Strong Buy

Current Market Cap: HK$71.88B

For a thorough assessment of 0293 stock, go to TipRanks’ Stock Analysis page.