Cathay Group posted attributable profit of HK$6.243 billion, or about US$796 million, for the first half of 2026, up 71% from a year earlier as strong passenger and cargo demand lifted results. The Hong Kong airline group also reported its first interim dividend and said fuel costs rose sharply during the period, with jet fuel prices nearly doubling from the first quarter to the second quarter.
Revenue increased 25.3% to about HK$68.1 billion, while fuel expenses climbed 58.5% to roughly HK$23.2 billion. Cathay offset part of the higher fuel bill through surcharges and hedging, while HK Express delivered a stronger contribution and associate earnings also improved.
The profit included about HK$1.0 billion in non-recurring gains, mainly a non-cash deemed partial disposal gain linked to dilution of Cathay’s stake in Air China. The group’s interim dividend was HK26 cents per share, 30% higher than a year earlier. The H1 performance was the strongest first-half result since 2010.