Cathay Pacific resumes direct flights to Adelaide, offering passengers an acclaimed travel experience without stopovers.
Cathay Pacific Restores Adelaide Connection with Three-Times-Weekly Flights
Cathay Pacific will strengthen its presence in the Southwest Pacific region by reinstating non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide beginning November 11, 2025. The seasonal winter service, operating three times a week, aims to restore a key connection between the airline's global hub and South Australia's capital city.
This marks the eighth destination in the region for Cathay Pacific, which already offers year-round services to Auckland, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney, as well as seasonal routes to Cairns and Christchurch. The airline's decision follows a series of accolades, including a Seven-Star Safety Rating from AirlineRatings and recognition as the Runner-Up for World's Best Business Class in the 2025 AirlineRatings Awards, as well as in the 2025 World's Best Airline Awards.
Cathay Pacific's relationship with Adelaide dates back to 1992, when the airline first began passenger flights to the city. The airline also partnered with Flight Training Adelaide for its cadet pilot program, an alliance that has endured for over 30 years.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, expressed her excitement at the resumption of flights, stating, "We are thrilled to reconnect our home hub with Adelaide, a bustling city that holds particular significance for Cathay Pacific. This return not only reinforces our commitment to South Australia but also expands travel options for our customers across Asia, the Southwest Pacific, and beyond."
During the peak of the winter season, Cathay Pacific will operate close to 90 return flights per week to eight Southwest Pacific destinations. The route will be serviced by Cathay Pacific's Airbus A350-900, featuring fully flat Business Class seats, a spacious Premium Economy cabin, and comfortable Economy seating. Passengers can also enjoy free in-flight Wi-Fi and upgraded entertainment options.
The flight schedule for the Hong Kong - Adelaide route, valid from November 11, 2025, to March 27, 2026, includes CX173 departing Hong Kong at 11:30 p.m. and arriving in Adelaide at 9:30 a.m. the following day (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays). Return flights, CX174, depart Adelaide at noon and arrive in Hong Kong at 5:40 p.m. (Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays). All times are local and subject to change and regulatory approval.
The Adelaide relaunch is part of a broader growth strategy by Cathay Pacific and its subsidiary HK Express, which aims to add 16 destinations to its global network in 2025. The group's expansion includes new routes to Hyderabad, Dallas, Urumqi, Rome (from June 5), Munich (June 16), Brussels (August 3), and Adelaide. With a young and fuel-efficient fleet, a robust safety record, and award-winning premium service, Cathay Pacific's return to Adelaide underscores its commitment to excellence and regional connectivity.
The decision made by Cathay Pacific to reintroduce flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide will undoubtedly impact the airline news landscape, as the three-times-weekly service is set to resume in November 2025. This move also signifies a growth in lifestyle and travel opportunities, as the airline's expansion to Adelaide expands travel options for its customers, particularly in the Southwest Pacific region.
