Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific reported Wednesday a 71-percent surge in net profit in the first half of the year, as demand from passengers avoiding the Middle East offset a near doubling of fuel costs caused by the Iran war. "Our result was positively impacted by ongoing underlying demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates," Cathay Group chair Guy Bradley said in its earnings report. The airline has adjusted fuel surcharges multiple times since the war broke out in February. Its fuel costs increased by 59.1 percent compared to the same period in 2025, the company said. Its European performance was boosted by changes in traffic flows due to the Middle East situation, particularly for passengers travelling between Europe and Oceania through Hong Kong.