Cathay Pacific, HK Express passenger counts rise despite Mideast tensions

Cathay Pacific and its low-cost arm HK Express reported higher passenger numbers in March despite the ongoing Middle East situation. The group attributed the growth to a series of mega-events in Hong Kong, such as Art Basel and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show.

Cathay Pacific Group reported rising passenger counts for Cathay Pacific and HK Express in March, attributing the growth to a spate of mega-events in Hong Kong, such as Art Basel and the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show. Demand for leisure travel remained strong ahead of the Easter holiday in early April.

"March was a month of contrast," said Lavinia Lau Hoi-zee, Cathay’s chief customer and commercial officer. "On the one hand, the ongoing situation in the Middle East shifted demand towards other aviation hubs and generated robust volumes on our flights. On the other hand, the price of jet fuel has increased significantly since the start of March, and this is placing huge cost pressure on airlines around the world."

The Middle East tensions, involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, have not deterred passengers from choosing Hong Kong routes, according to the group.

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