Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) gave approval for the passenger fuel surcharges levied by three airlines to be reduced by about 3 percent, it said on Friday.

The new maximum levels of fuel surcharges will be HK$215 (about US$27.6) for short-haul flights and HK$1,042 for long-haul flights, which represent a reduction of about 3 percent, according to the CAD.

The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date for the period from Aug. 1 to Aug. 31.