Cathay Pacific’s highly anticipated seasonal service between Cairns and Hong Kong officially launched yesterday, marking an important step in reconnecting Tropical North Queensland to one of Asia’s major aviation hubs. Running three times a week until 29 March 2025, this direct link is the first between the region and Hong Kong since early 2020.
The first service, flight CX147, touched down shortly before 10.30am Tuesday, 17 December before returning to Hong Kong at midday. Passengers received gifts at Cairns Airport and departing travellers were treated to a traditional Chinese lion dance as part of the celebrations.
“Just over a year ago, a delegation from Tropical North Queensland visited Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong to discuss the road to their return,” Cairns Airport Chief Executive Officer Richard Barker said.
“Now, we are celebrating the vital first step in reestablishing our long-running partnership.
“We are thrilled to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Tropical North Queensland,” he said.
According to Barker, the return of Cathay Pacific to the region will bring 27,000 seats “at an ideal time for
passengers travelling overseas for Christmas and summer holidays and will offer additional connectivity for the thousands of international visitors expected to welcome the 2025 Year of the Snake in Tropical North Queensland.”
The schedule and the aircraft
The flights will be operated on an Airbus A330-300, which features 28 business class flatbeds in a 1-2-1 layout and 265 economy seats. However, the older A330 aircraft used on the route do not include a premium economy cabin.
The thrice-weekly service will operate on the following schedule:
- CX146 departs Cairns at 12pm, landing in Hong Kong at 5:15pm.
- CX147 departs Hong Kong at 1:05am, arriving in Cairns at 10:30am.
Why this matters
This seasonal route is about more than direct flights to Hong Kong. It opens up easy onward connections to destinations such as London, Paris, New York, and Los Angeles, bypassing the need for travellers to first transit via Brisbane or Sydney.
For inbound tourism, it’s a chance to bring new visitors to Tropical North Queensland during its peak summer months.
Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said the seasonal flights would provide a significant boost for the region.
“The return of Cathay Pacific to Cairns after a five-year absence comes at the perfect time for tourism operators who are counting on bumper summer holiday season after Tropical Cyclone Jasper ruined last Christmas,” he said.
“Passengers from across Asia, the UK and Europe will be able to board a flight direct from Hong Kong into Tropical North Queensland and be out on a boat snorkelling on the reef or riding the Kuranda Railway within hours of touching down.
Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) Group Executive Ollie Philpot said the arrival was a major and welcome milestone for the region.
“TEQ has worked closely with the airline and partners, including Tourism Tropical North Queensland, to drive demand for these seats with marketing in the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and Mainland China and we look forward to a bumper season with these flights,” he said.
Building towards growth
While the service is currently seasonal, industry leaders are optimistic about its potential to expand. Cairns Airport’s Garry Porter suggested in June that the route could be a stepping stone towards something bigger.
“If we can demonstrate demand, we’ll be working closely with Cathay Pacific to look at more permanent arrangements. The success of this service is in everyone’s hands.”
For travel professionals and frequent flyers alike, Cathay Pacific’s return to Cairns is a welcome development. With its convenient schedule, flatbed business class, and access to one of the world’s most connected aviation hubs, the service promises to make international travel easier for North Queenslanders while bringing new opportunities for inbound tourism.
The seasonal service may only run until March, but its success could pave the way for bigger things to come.
