The airline said the adjustments are a response to cost pressures triggered by disruptions in global energy markets, which have tightened aviation fuel supply and increased operating expenses across the industry.
Flight Cuts and Route Suspensions
According to the airline’s statement on April 11, Cathay Pacific will cancel approximately 2% of its scheduled passenger flights between May 16 and June 30.
Its low-cost subsidiary, HK Express, will implement deeper cuts, reducing about 6% of its scheduled flights from May 11.
In addition, the airline confirmed that its passenger services to Dubai and Riyadh will remain suspended until June 30, reflecting continued uncertainty around Middle East travel routes.
Strategic Balance Between Cuts and Expansion
Despite the temporary reduction in capacity, Cathay Pacific has maintained that its long-term growth strategy remains intact.
Earlier in March, Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam indicated that the airline plans to expand passenger capacity by 10% in 2026, driven by strong demand for long-haul travel to North America, Europe, and Australia.
He noted that shifting global travel patterns—partly influenced by disruptions linked to the Iran conflict—have redirected demand away from Middle Eastern transit hubs toward longer intercontinental routes.
Industry Pressure From Rising Fuel Costs
Aviation industry executives have warned that even recent diplomatic efforts, including a short ceasefire involving the United States and Iran, are unlikely to bring immediate relief to fuel markets.
They argue that jet fuel supplies will remain constrained and expensive for several months, even if key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz reopen fully.
The ongoing volatility has placed additional pressure on airlines already grappling with post-pandemic cost recovery, fleet expansion plans, and fluctuating global demand.
Temporary Disruption, Longer-Term Confidence
Cathay Pacific stated that beyond June, both the main carrier and HK Express are expected to resume their full scheduled passenger operations, assuming current conditions stabilise.
For now, however, the airline joins a growing number of global carriers adjusting capacity in response to energy market instability, highlighting how geopolitical tensions continue to ripple through the aviation sector and reshape operational planning worldwide.