HONG KONG, Oct. 27 -- Hong Kong's Civil Aviation Department on Monday approved the passenger fuel surcharges for the period from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30.

The maximum levels of fuel surcharges for November will be 172 HK dollars for short-haul flights and 757 HK dollars for long-haul flights, representing decreases of about 6 percent from the current maximum levels for both short- and long-haul flights.

The applicable surcharge levels are based on the ticket issue date.

Passenger fuel surcharges seek to allow airlines to partially recover 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 department were 183 HK dollars for short-haul flights and 809 HK dollars for long-haul flights. (1 U.S. dollar = 7.76 HK dollars)