Budget carrier HK Express will cut its fuel surcharge on flights departing Hong Kong to overseas destinations by 12.8 per cent from May 16, reducing the fee by HK$50 (US$6.38) to HK$339 per leg, the airline has said.

The reduction, revealed on its website on Wednesday, excludes mainland China routes, and follows lower fuel prices amid the Middle East war.

The budget carrier of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific Airways also said the surcharge for inbound medium-haul journeys, such as those departing from Taiwan and some Southeast Asian countries, would also be cut.

The route from the Philippines to Hong Kong saw the sharpest decline of 16.9 per cent, followed by those from Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam and Malaysia.

The fuel surcharge for flights from Japan and South Korea was unchanged at 11,200 yen (US$71) and 107,000 won (US$71.8) respectively.

The surcharge for flights to and from the mainland also remained unchanged at HK$165 and 135 yuan (US$19.89).

The adjustment follows similar moves by flagship airline Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines, which have both announced reductions in fuel surcharges.