Hong Kong freight association criticises airline fuel surcharge hikes

With our headquarters, as well as several freight and logistics hubs in the city, we note that the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarding and Logistics (HAFFA) has called on the government to intervene after some airlines raised fuel surcharges by more than fourfold, warning the increases could destabilise supply chains and undermine Hong Kong’s status as a global logistics hub.

Hong Kong’s leading freight and logistics association has condemned what it describes as excessive airline fuel surcharge increases, warning they risk triggering a “disastrous domino effect” across global supply chains.

HAFFA expressed “deep dissatisfaction” at the scale of the hikes, saying some increases “far exceed reasonable limits”.

The association said the increases bore no relation to genuine cost pressures. It is demanding that airlines publish clear and transparent explanations of how surcharges are calculated, and establish a mechanism that formally links any adjustments to verifiable changes in operating costs.

“Freight forwarders have the right to understand the basis of these charges so they can reasonably account to their customers,” the association said.

It added that, without sound justification, such sharp and rapid increases would be viewed as “profiteering from market volatility rather than a genuine reflection of costs”.

HAFFA is now calling on government regulators to intervene immediately, investigate the surcharge increases, and reverse the fuel surcharge liberalisation decision. The association is urging the reinstatement of regulated CFS mechanisms to ensure fair competition and prevent airlines from exploiting their market position or capitalising on geopolitical instability.

For more information about U-Freight’s international expedited air freight logistics services through Hong Kong International Airport, and the Greater Bay Area, please visit the relevant pages of this website or contact your local office, details of which can be seen here: https://ufreight.com/locations