Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department has given approval for nine airlines to adjust their passenger fuel surcharge levels, effective from August 1 to September 30.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges for short-haul flights will rise from HK$171 to HK$231 per passenger, while surcharges for long-haul flights will rise from HK$710 to HK$924.

The department said the surcharges on the local routes remain at a lower level compared with surcharges at the international level. Short-haul surcharges amount to about 50.4%, and long-haul for about 63.4%, of the international levels.

The department approved the applications after considering the changes in aviation fuel prices, the airline operators' justifications, and other factors - including charges other airlines levy.

Despite the reduction in oil prices in the last several days, the latest monthly average of aviation fuel prices is still higher than that. The department will ensure the revenue will not exceed additional costs the airline operators bear due to increased oil prices.

The department estimated most airlines would recover only about 40% to 70% of their additional fuel costs through the fuel surcharges.