Cathay Pacific Expands Services to Australia with Record Flights

Cathay Pacific has announced a historic increase in its flight services to Australia, planning 369 nonstop departures in December 2025, marking the highest monthly total in its history. This figure represents a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous year, with the airline operating more flights to major Australian cities including Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The airline's average seat capacity per departure has also risen to 323 seats, reflecting a strategic enhancement in its service offerings.

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On November 11, 2025, Cathay Pacific resumed its direct flights to Adelaide, South Australia, after a hiatus of nearly six years. The service operates three times weekly using the Airbus A350-900, which provides a premium travel experience across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. This reestablishment of the route is expected to bolster travel, trade, and cultural exchanges between Asia and Australia, as noted by Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau.

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With the addition of Adelaide, Cathay Pacific now serves six Australian destinations, including Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. The airline operates close to 100 return flights weekly to Oceania during the winter season, which includes cargo capacity to support freight movement between Australia and Hong Kong. The return of the Adelaide route is seen as a significant step in meeting the demand from holidaymakers, students, and business travelers.

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Lavinia Lau expressed enthusiasm about the return to Adelaide, highlighting the city’s vibrant culinary scene and natural attractions. Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, also welcomed the airline's return, emphasizing the importance of the connection for both tourism and trade.

Cathay Resumes Flights to This Australian City with A350

Despite the record offerings, Cathay Pacific's share of nonstop services from Hong Kong to Australia has decreased from 83% in December 2024 to 81% in December 2025. This decline is attributed to the entry of Hong Kong Airlines into the market, which has introduced additional competition on routes to Sydney and Melbourne.

Cathay Pacific’s service to Adelaide takes off

Cathay Pacific's expanded services are expected to continue into 2026, with ongoing adjustments to meet passenger demand and enhance connectivity across its network. The airline's strategic focus on increasing capacity and improving service quality is likely to play a crucial role in its competitive positioning in the Australian market.

Cathay Pacific’s service to Adelaide takes off

• “Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “We are delighted to return to Adelaide, a city we have a long history with having first launched flights in 1992.” — Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific’s service to Adelaide takes off

• “The relaunched route strengthens access between the two cities, giving travellers a consistent option during the peak season while supporting tourism and trade.” — Frosti Lau, General Manager Southeast Asia & Oceania, Cathay Pacific

Cathay Resumes Flights to This Australian City with A350