- Title: Cathay Pacific plans to carry more passengers despite disruptions from Iran war
- Date: 11th March 2026
- Summary: ***WARNING: CONTAINS FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY*** (SOUNDBITE) (English) CATHAY CHIEF CUSTOMER AND COMMERCIAL OFFICER, LAVINIA LAU, SAYING: "On the cargo side, well, we do see initially some increase in cargo demand, particularly again on the European route, Hong Kong-Europe, or Southeast Asia to Europe. However, in our case, some of our Europe freighters had a stopover in Dubai be
- Embargoed:
- Keywords: Cathay Pacific China Flight Hong Kong Iran War airline aviation carrier earnings
- Location: HONG KONG, CHINA
- City: HONG KONG, CHINA
- Country: Hong Kong
- Topics: Asia / Pacific,Company News Markets,Economic Events
- Reuters ID: LVA003297111032026RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Cathay Pacific Airways said on Wednesday (March 11) it would expand passenger capacity by 10% this year but will remain agile as the Middle East conflict led to "upsurges" in demand and higher jet fuel prices.
The growth forecast was made as Hong Kong's flagship airline posted a 9.5% rise in full-year profit driven by higher passenger numbers and robust cargo demand, its third consecutive annual profit after three years of losses during the pandemic. Cathay's shares closed up 4% after the results.
However, the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran - now in its 12th day - has disrupted global aviation operations due to airspace closures, increased jet fuel costs and led some carriers to raise fares and boost fuel surcharges.
Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau told a news conference that the airline's fuel surcharges for passengers and cargo were likely to increase due to a doubling in jet fuel prices, but fare hikes would depend on supply and demand.
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