Sunday, March 9, 2025
Cathay Pacific adjusts its summer routes, boosting flights to Spain and Italy while reducing frequencies to the US, Canada, Netherlands, and the UK.
Cathay Pacific Adjusts Summer Schedule, Reduces Frequencies on Select Routes to Europe and North America
Cathay Pacific has fine-tuned its flight operations for the upcoming summer season, making adjustments to its North American and European routes. Some frequency reductions are expected as part of the revised schedule.
North American Route Adjustments
Cathay Pacific has submitted its summer schedule, which spans from March 30 to October 26, based on guidelines set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). While most routes remain operational, minor changes in flight frequencies are expected.
For flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and North America, the airline has revised its operational strategy. The service to Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) will now fluctuate between five to seven weekly flights, rather than maintaining a fixed number.
The Hong Kong to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route is set to see varied frequency levels, ranging between 14 and 20 weekly flights, with peak service reaching 20 flights per week during June and July.
Similarly, Cathay Pacific is expected to lower its flight count to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), reducing frequencies to as few as 15 weekly flights in April. However, during other months, the airline is likely to operate up to 20 flights per week on this route.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will also experience scheduling modifications. In March, the airline plans to operate 16 weekly flights, but frequencies will fluctuate between 15 and 21 per week throughout the summer.
Cathay Pacific’s Canadian destinations—Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Vancouver International Airport (YVR)—will also undergo schedule variations during the season, with adjustments in weekly flight frequencies.
As the airline continues to refine its global network, these modifications reflect its strategy to optimize capacity and align with seasonal demand.
Cathay Pacific is set to implement changes across its European network this summer, introducing frequency adjustments on several routes. While certain destinations will see increased flight availability, others may experience temporary reductions in service.
Changes to European Routes
The airline is expected to scale back its operations to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) during specific periods, while simultaneously boosting flights from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN). Additionally, fewer flights are anticipated on routes to the United Kingdom, particularly London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Manchester Airport (MAN).
Alongside the expansion of its Barcelona service, Cathay Pacific will also increase weekly flights to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), reinforcing its presence in Southern Europe.
Meanwhile, Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) and Zurich Airport (ZRH) may see a temporary reduction in flights, with these schedule modifications expected to last only for a few weeks.
This summer, Cathay Pacific will operate flights to 12 European destinations, including its newest addition, Rome Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport (FCO), as it continues to refine its long-haul network.
Strong Start to 2025
Cathay Pacific kicked off the year with impressive passenger growth. In its January 2025 report released on February 19, the airline announced a 30.9% year-over-year (YoY) increase in available seat kilometers (ASK), excluding its low-cost subsidiary HK Express.
As a result, passenger numbers surged to 2.3 million for the month, marking a 37% rise compared to the same period last year. The airline also reported a robust average load factor of 86.4%.
Despite a strong start, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, noted that demand is expected to soften in February and March. However, the airline remains focused on its long-term goal of serving 100 destinations through both Cathay Pacific and HK Express, further strengthening connectivity for travelers and enhancing Hong Kong’s position as a key aviation hub.
Tags: Airline News, Canada, cathay pacific, Europe flight changes, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Flights, Italy, Netherlands, spain, Travel News, UK, US
