Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has given approval for six airlines to lower passenger fuel surcharges from October 1 to November 30.

The new maximum surcharges for short-haul flights will be lowered from HK$231 to HK$196 per passenger, while surcharges for long-haul flights will be lowered from HK$924 to HK$832 per passenger.

The department said the surcharges on local routes remain at a lower level compared to international ones. Short-haul surcharges amount to about 44%, and long-haul for about 58%, of the international levels.

The department approved the applications after considering changes in the aviation fuel prices, the airline operators' justifications, and other factors like charges levied by other airlines.

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