HONG KONG, April 21 -- Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department on Tuesay approved the passenger fuel surcharges for the period from May 1 to 31.

The maximum levels of fuel surcharges for May will be lowered to 46 HK dollars (about 5.9 U.S. dollars) for short- haul flights and 205 HK dollars for long-haul flights. The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date.

Passenger fuel surcharges seek to allow airlines to partially cover the increase in operational costs due to fluctuations in aviation fuel prices.

The surcharges are reviewed regularly by the department. In last month's review, the maximum surcharge levels approved by the CAD were 48 HK dollars for short-haul flights and 215 HK dollars for long-haul flights.