Greater Bay Airlines announced on Friday that it will raise fuel surcharges on various routes effective March 18 due to surging fuel costs. The move aligns with similar hikes by Hong Kong rivals like Cathay Pacific, primarily affecting international flights to Hong Kong.
Greater Bay Airlines stated that due to surging fuel costs, the carrier will adjust fuel surcharges. Specifically, charges on flights to Hong Kong from all destinations except mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, the Maldives, and the Philippines will rise by 106 per cent, from US$18 to US$37, or HK$141 to HK$290. The change takes effect on March 18.
Meanwhile, surcharges on flights departing Hong Kong for all destinations except the mainland and the Maldives will increase by 104 per cent, from HK$142 to HK$290. For flights from Hong Kong to the Maldives, the surcharge will rise by 90 per cent, from HK$284 to HK$541; in the opposite direction, it will increase by 92 per cent, from US$36 to US$69. Charges from Taiwan to Hong Kong will see a smaller 22 per cent rise, from US$18 to US$22.
This decision comes amid pressures on Hong Kong's aviation sector, with other local carriers like HK Express and Hong Kong Airlines having announced similar increases. Sources note that the fuel price surges are linked to tensions in the Middle East, though no further details are provided. The airline emphasized that the adjustments aim to address global energy market fluctuations and ensure operational sustainability.
