The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) of Hong Kong approved on Tuesday a roughly 20 percent rise in passenger fuel surcharges in June levied by Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

After the adjustment, the maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be 110 HK dollars (14.12 U.S. dollars) for short-haul flights and 524 HK dollars for long-haul ones, which represent an increase of about 20 percent and 21 percent respectively from the current maximum levels of 92 HK dollars and 434 HK dollars, said CAD.

Passenger fuel surcharges, which are reviewed regularly by the CAD, seek to allow airlines to partially recover the increase in operational costs due to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices.

The last review was done at the end of April. (1 U.S. dollar is equivalent to 7.79 HK dollars)