South Australia will soon be directly linked with Hong Kong again, with the announcement that Cathay Pacific will resume direct Adelaide-HK flights later this year.
Running seasonally from 11 November to 27 March 2026, the new service will operate three times per week, departing Adelaide on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
Cathay will utilise its 280-seater A350-900 aircraft on the route, marking the debut of CX’s premium economy cabin between the ports.
“It is with great anticipation that we announce our return to Adelaide this November,” Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager South West Pacific Frosti Lau said.
“This new flight will give those in South Australia’s capital the opportunity to explore Hong Kong and beyond, whether for leisure, business or a taste of home.
“In restarting this service, Cathay Pacific will offer close to 90 return flights per week between Hong Kong and eight destinations across Australia and New Zealand this summer, bringing back all pre-pandemic routes to the region.”
The resumed route, which last operated in March 2020, is also expected to generate tens of millions of dollars for the SA economy, with tourism alone forecast to bring in around $17 million per year for the state.
“Our state is being seen as a place to invest in, and Cathay Pacific is the latest global business to recognise this,” SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said.
“Delivering a boon for tourism and trade, the reinstated route is estimated to generate $32 million for South Australia each year, driving appeal to both work and travel in our great State.
“The suite of international airlines set to fly directly into Adelaide is no coincidence, it is the result of constant hard work as well as developing a destination worth investing in.”
Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison said the announcement re-established all of Adelaide’s pre-pandemic international routes.
“South Australia is flying high with yet another major international airline connecting global visitors to our state,” she remarked.
“This is a huge milestone for South Australia’s tourism industry, as it means all international routes flying into Adelaide before the COVID-19 outbreak are back – providing further connection to potential visitors globally.
“Cathay Pacific’s direct flights into Adelaide will make South Australia even more attractive for our key Asian international market, while promoting the simple pleasures of our pristine nature, renowned food and beverage and non-stop events calendar to its loyal flyers.”
Asian markets added around $783 million and 8.3 million bed nights in South Australia in 2024, with Hong Kong travellers typically staying 11 nights – almost twice as long as the average international visitor.
The South Australian Tourism Commission worked closely with Adelaide Airport to help bring back the Cathay flights.
“We’re excited to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Adelaide,” Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said.
“The airline first started flying to Adelaide in 1992 and it has been one of our more enduring international partnerships for many years.
“South Australians will again be part of their extensive global network with a non-stop service to Hong Kong and excellent connections to Asian and European destinations.
“We also anticipate solid inbound passenger numbers on the back of our growing tourism market and strong international education opportunities.”
The resumption of Cathay’s Adelaide-HK flights follows a string of new and resumed services out of Adelaide, including the first non-stop flights from the city to North America (with United Airlines), and the return of flights to Guangzhou (China Southern Airlines) and Dubai (Emirates).
Last week, Qantas also announced it would resume non-stop international flights from South Australia with its inaugural Adelaide-Auckland flight departing on 31 October 2025.
