Cathay Pacific will return to Cairns for the second summer in a row, with a seasonal service linking Hong Kong and Tropical North Queensland during the 2025/26 peak travel period.
The full-service carrier will operate three direct flights per week between 9 December 2025 and 28 February 2026, aligning with the Christmas holidays and Lunar New Year.
The move follows the success of last year’s seasonal launch, which saw nearly 16,000 passengers travel between Cairns and Hong Kong, with many connecting onward to destinations including the UK, Chinese Mainland and elsewhere in Asia.
20,000+ seats and freight links confirmed
This year’s seasonal schedule will deliver more than 20,000 seats aboard Cathay Pacific’s A330 aircraft. The route also plays a key role in freight, supporting exports of Tropical North Queensland seafood and fresh produce into Asia.
According to Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager Southwest Pacific Frosti Lau, the seasonal route continues to serve strong demand from both tourists and exporters.
“Bringing this service back will continue to encourage more tourism on both ends around Christmas and Lunar New Year,” Lau said.
The return to Cairns is part of Cathay Pacific’s broader Australia strategy, which has seen the airline steadily rebuild capacity and reconnect key markets post-pandemic. Across Australia, Cathay Pacific currently operates over 45 return flights per week, including services to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
The airline is also expanding its codeshare with Qantas, offering improved domestic connectivity for passengers arriving from Hong Kong. These partnerships are designed to improve network depth across the country, especially for regional centres like Cairns.
Lau previously had said that the airline is focused on rebuilding the right way, with flexibility, reliability and a clear understanding of what customers now value most.
Cathay Pacific is also stepping up its premium offering in the Australian market, with the debut of its new Aria Suite in business class on Sydney-Hong Kong flights. Launched in May 2025 aboard the airline’s Airbus A350-1000, the Aria Suite features sliding privacy doors, wireless device charging and 4K video screens.
This investment signals Cathay’s focus on attracting high-yield travellers and delivering a more competitive onboard experience. While the Cairns route will be serviced by A330 aircraft, the broader upgrade underlines the carrier’s premium ambitions across its Australian network.
Local tourism bodies welcome the return
The renewed service is expected to inject an estimated $18 million in visitor spending into the local economy, while also expanding overseas leisure options for Queenslanders planning extended holiday breaks.
Cairns Airport CEO Richard Barker said the route strengthens international access for Tropical North Queensland and deepens the region’s partnership with Cathay Pacific.
“This is a new era in our relationship with Cathay Pacific, and a major coup for our region,” he said.
He noted the service builds on valuable export channels established last summer, particularly for fresh produce and seafood, and gives local travellers seamless access to Cathay Pacific’s global network across Asia, Europe and India.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland CEO Mark Olsen said the route’s timing is key, operating during the region’s quieter months to support inbound travel from key international markets.
“Having this direct route to the key aviation hub of Hong Kong operating during Tropical North Queensland’s shoulder season will help to boost international visitation from the Chinese Mainland and Europe,” he said.
Queensland Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the return of the route shows growing interest in Northern Queensland as a destination.
“We are seeing renewed positivity about visiting the Tropical North of our State, with all the natural, cultural and adventure tourism offerings available,” he said.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Cairns is back on Cathay Pacific’s map for a second summer—and it’s not just about demand. The timing around Lunar New Year makes it a tactical boost for both tourism and trade. For agents, this is a chance to expand long-haul options beyond the capitals and tap into high-season momentum.
