Cathay Pacific has made a significant return to Italy’s capital, Rome, with the reintroduction of its direct flight between Hong Kong and the historic city. This development, marking the airline’s renewed connection to one of Europe’s most iconic destinations, further emphasizes Cathay Pacific’s ongoing efforts to expand its global reach. This new service, which commenced in 2025, adds Rome to the growing list of cities in the airline’s European network.

As part of its broader 2025 strategy, Cathay Pacific has been actively expanding its route offerings. With new flights to several destinations, including Hyderabad, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Urumqi, the airline is enhancing its international connectivity. The addition of Rome is part of the airline’s global expansion that is bringing it closer to reaching 100 passenger destinations worldwide. This effort is indicative of Cathay Pacific’s dedication to meeting the evolving demands of international travel.

A Convenient Connection Between Asia and Europe

The launch of the Hong Kong to Rome route brings added convenience for travelers looking to move seamlessly between Asia and Europe, especially those traveling for both business and leisure. With direct flights now available, passengers can enjoy faster and more efficient travel between these two major cities.

The service is designed to operate three times per week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—offering flexibility for those who wish to visit either city. The flight is being operated using the Airbus A350-900, a model celebrated for its fuel efficiency and modern features. This choice of aircraft highlights Cathay Pacific’s commitment to providing high standards of comfort while maintaining a focus on sustainability.

The Airbus A350-900 aircraft will offer a range of seating classes to suit different preferences. Business Class passengers can enjoy 38 flat-bed seats, which are perfect for long-haul travel, ensuring that they arrive well-rested and ready to enjoy their destination. Those seeking more economical options can choose from 28 Premium Economy seats or 214 seats in Economy class. This broad selection gives passengers the flexibility to choose the class that best suits their needs and budget.

Strengthening Business and Leisure Ties

The reintroduction of the direct Hong Kong-Rome flight will serve as a vital bridge for business and tourism exchanges between the two cities. Rome, with its reputation as a business hub and one of the world’s most visited tourist destinations, plays a crucial role in international travel. From its historic landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican to its thriving arts, food, and fashion scenes, Rome offers something for every traveler.

Cathay Pacific’s decision to relaunch this route is based on the growing demand for travel between Hong Kong and Rome. The airline’s aim is to enhance the convenience for travelers from both cities, helping them make the most of what each has to offer. For business travelers, the easy connection between Hong Kong’s financial powerhouse and Rome’s role as a global business center will facilitate smoother meetings and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, tourists will benefit from an efficient way to explore the beauty and history of Italy’s capital.

Expansion of Cathay Pacific’s European Network

Rome’s addition to Cathay Pacific’s network is part of the airline’s larger European expansion strategy. Over the coming summer, the airline plans to introduce new services to Munich and Brussels. These new destinations will further increase Cathay Pacific’s European offering, adding to the existing 12 cities already served by the airline.

Once the new services to Munich and Brussels begin, Cathay Pacific will be operating close to 100 weekly return flights to Europe, offering greater choice and flexibility for passengers. This expansion is not just about adding more destinations—it’s about strengthening Cathay Pacific’s position as a key player in the international airline industry and enhancing its ability to serve travelers flying between Asia and Europe.

This ambitious growth strategy reflects the airline’s commitment to meeting the increasing demand for travel in both regions. By connecting major European hubs like Rome, Munich, and Brussels with Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is positioning itself as a preferred carrier for travelers seeking reliable and convenient international flights.

The Significance of Rome in International Travel

Rome is a city of immense cultural and historical importance. Its centuries-old landmarks attract millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most important tourist destinations in the world. The city’s rich heritage, including its ancient Roman architecture, world-class museums, and religious sites, draws travelers from all over the globe.

Beyond tourism, Rome is also a key business center, where international conferences, trade events, and meetings are held regularly. For Cathay Pacific, reintroducing the direct Hong Kong-Rome flight makes sense not just from a tourism perspective but from a commercial one as well. The city’s central role in global business and politics ensures a steady demand for air travel between Hong Kong and Rome. With this renewed service, the airline is further solidifying its position as an essential global carrier, catering to both the business and leisure markets.

Expanding Europe Connectivity for Global Travelers

With its expansion into new European markets, Cathay Pacific is responding to the growing demand for travel to and from Europe. The addition of the Hong Kong-Rome route will make it easier for travelers to access one of Europe’s most renowned cities while maintaining a smooth, non-stop journey. Furthermore, Cathay Pacific’s growing network of European routes ensures that passengers have access to numerous options for connecting flights to destinations across the continent.

Once the airline completes its new flight introductions in Munich and Brussels, Cathay Pacific will have an even more comprehensive European network. Passengers traveling to or from Hong Kong will have a wider range of choices for flights, with the added convenience of multiple weekly departures to key European cities. This further bolsters Cathay Pacific’s reputation as a premier carrier in the Asia-Pacific region, offering top-tier service and extensive global reach.

What Lies Ahead for Cathay Pacific?

Cathay Pacific’s expansion efforts for 2025 signify an exciting future for the airline. The introduction of the Hong Kong-Rome route is just one example of how Cathay Pacific is responding to the growing needs of international travelers. With an expanded European network and more destinations on the horizon, the airline is set to offer even greater connectivity in the coming years.

The airline’s strategic focus remains on providing excellent service, enhancing customer satisfaction, and making travel more convenient for passengers. The introduction of new flights to cities such as Rome, Munich, and Brussels is expected to bring substantial growth in the airline’s European travel segment. As the airline’s global network grows, so too does its ability to offer seamless travel experiences to its customers.

Travelers looking to explore both Europe and Asia now have more options than ever before, thanks to Cathay Pacific’s expanding services. Whether flying for business or leisure, the airline’s commitment to delivering top-notch service ensures it remains a leading choice for international air travel.

Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific is poised to continue making waves in the global aviation industry. With nearly 100 destinations worldwide, the airline’s ongoing expansion solidifies its place as one of the top global carriers. Passengers can expect more routes, more destinations, and even more flexibility in their travel options in the years to come.