Cathay Pacific will resume flights between Hong Kong and Cairns, marking a significant step towards pre-COVID international travel levels for Cairns Airport.
Starting December, the airline will offer over 13,000 inbound seats from 17 December 2024 to 29 March 2025, during the peak travel periods of Christmas to the Chinese New Year.
The flights will operate three times a week on a two-class Airbus A330.
“It has been nearly five years since Cathay Pacific has flown out of Cairns and we are thrilled to be bringing our services back,” Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager, Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau said.
“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.”
A strategic move for tourism and exports
Thousands of international tourists are anticipated to flock to Tropical North Queensland in 2025 to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The alignment of Cathay Pacific’s flight services during this period is expected to attract even more visitors to Cairns for the festivities.
Tourism Minister and State Member for Cairns, Michael Healy, stated, “Tourists from Hong Kong and Mainland China can join the celebrations by booking a trip to Cairns with Cathay Pacific.”
Cathay Pacific and key travel trade partners were the target of a Hong Kong visit by a Tropical North Queensland delegation in August of last year, led by Healy.
“I am so proud to be part of the team who brought Cathay Pacific back,” he said.
The return of Cathay Pacific is a boon for various sectors, including tourism, agriculture, and education, Healy added.
“This [news] will be welcomed across our business community and I expect it will see a rekindling of the healthy relationship between Cairns and China and the significant economic benefits it brings.
“The flights will inject almost 27,000 seats over the season, carrying up to 13,000 inbound international visitors who will spend an estimated $20 million, and support more jobs in the Cairns region.”
Economic impacts and expectations
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen highlighted the positive impact on tourism.
“The return of Cathay Pacific will further boost international visitor numbers to the destination during the shoulder season,” he noted.
“Before the pandemic, we relied on international visitors to boost numbers during summer, especially during the Chinese New Year season.
“This 15-week season has the potential to bring a $20 million boost to the Tropical North Queensland economy, helping to support the one in five jobs in tourism year-round,” Olsen said.
