Hong Kong’s home carrier Cathay Pacific is recommencing flights to Cairns, with a seasonal service of three flights per week from Cairns Airport during the peak holiday period between 17 December 2024 and 29 March 2025.

This will include both the Christmas and Chinese New Year festive holidays, when Tropical North Queensland traditionally welcomes an influx of international visitors. Cathay Pacific’s services will also provide extensive new connections for locals heading overseas during the summer holidays.

The addition of Cathay Pacific to the Cairns market will contribute to bolstering international passenger numbers back to pre-COVID levels.

Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer, Richard Barker, said: “This is a significant and highly positive announcement for our region as we enter a new era in the relationship between Cairns Airport and Cathay Pacific.”

“We are pleased to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Cairns later in 2024, at a time when we expect passenger demand to be strong.”

The Cathay Group’s passenger and cargo networks offer scheduled services to more than 90 destinations worldwide, including 19 in the Chinese Mainland. The group also serves an additional 149 destinations through codeshare agreements.

Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager, Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau, said: “It has been nearly five years since Cathay Pacific has flown out of Cairns and we are thrilled to be bringing our services back.

“This seasonal service will offer direct access to Hong Kong and provide seamless connections to the rest of the world, including into London, the Chinese Mainland, India and the US.

“It will also encourage inbound visitors from Europe, the US, Canada and key Asian markets – all ready to explore the stunning Cairns region.

“Not only is this an important route for customers travelling in and out of Tropical North Queensland, but it is also an incredibly valuable port for cargo and the trade economy.”

Thousands of international tourists are expected to welcome the Year of the Snake in Tropical North Queensland in 2025, and the alignment of Cathay Pacific’s services throughout this period is expected to draw even more visitors to Cairns for the celebrations.