Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department said yesterday that it had approved an increase in passenger fuel surcharges levied by All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines, which would take effect in January 2011.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be HK$129 (US$13.92) for short-haul flights and HK$621 for long-haul flights, up 8 percent and 10 percent, respectively. The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date.

The fees allow airlines to partially recover operational costs due to fluctuations in fuel prices. The CAD considers and approves fuel surcharge applications from the airlines in accordance with bilateral Air Services Agreements.

Passenger fuel surcharges are reviewed regularly by CAD. The last review was done at the end of November when the maximum surcharge levels approved by CAD were HK$120 for short-haul flights and HK$566 for long-haul flights.