Further expanding the Group's global network asit strives to reach 100 destinations worldwide this year
Cathay Pacific is pleased to announce another addition to its expanding global network this year with the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi starting 28 April 2025. The new four-times-weekly return service will bring the Cathay Group's combined passenger network in the Chinese Mainland to 20 destinations.
This summer, Cathay Pacific and low-cost carrier HK Express will operate over 290 return flights per week between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. This includes Beijing (Capital International Airport and Daxing International Airport), Shanghai (Pudong International Airport and Hongqiao International Airport), Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Ningbo, Qingdao, Sanya, Urumqi, Wenzhou, Wuhan, Xi'an, Xiamen and Zhengzhou.
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: "Urumqi is an exciting new addition to our network, directly connecting our home city with an important Belt and Road hub in Northwestern China. We are delighted to introduce Urumqi as the Cathay Group's 11th new port announced so far this year, as we move one step closer to reaching 100 destinations globally in 2025.
"As Hong Kong's home airline, we have deep roots in our home city and are proudly part of China. We are committed to providing our customers with even more destination and flight choices when travelling between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and beyond. We look forward to welcoming customers through our flights to experience what Urumqi has to offer."
Cathay Pacific's new Hong Kong-Urumqi route will be operated by the airline's Airbus A330-300 aircraft, providing customers with comfortable Business and Economy cabins. Flight schedules are as follows (all times local, subject to regulatory approval):
Hong Kong - Urumqi (28 April 2025)
| Flight No. | Origin | Destination | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
| CX998 | Hong Kong (HKG) | Urumqi (URC) | 01:30 | 07:00 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday |
| CX997 | Urumqi (URC) | Hong Kong (HKG) | 10:15 | 15:20 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday |
Through the Cathay Group's Hong Kong hub, customers travelling from the Chinese Mainland can connect to its extensive global network with destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South West Pacific, the Middle East and Africa. Under the Individual Visit Scheme, customers from Urumqi can also visit Hong Kong in their individual capacity.
Aside from Urumqi, Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights to Hyderabad in March, Dallas in April, Rome and Munich in June, and Brussels in August this year. HK Express commenced services to Sendai in January and will launch direct flights to Nha Trang, Komatsu and Ishigaki in April, and Miyako (Shimojishima) in June.
The two airlines project to operate passenger services to more than 100 destinations worldwide within 2025.