‍DALLAS — Cathay Pacific (CX) is opening a new direct passenger route between Hong Kong and Urumqi, announced at a special event. 

On April 25, 2025, the airline’s management organized a cocktail reception at the Island Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong, serving as a premier event for the new flights and further emphasizing the importance CX’s management places on this expansion.

These flights will strengthen the connections between its home city and Urumqi, a city in Northwestern China that is rapidly becoming a central aviation hub and an important center for China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Ronald Lam, CEO of the Group, hosted the event, which was notably attended by Hong Kong Government’s Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mable Chan, along with many other distinguished guests and aviation industry representatives.

Flight Launch, Schedule

As announced, flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi will commence on Monday, April 28, 2025. With this addition, CX’s network of destinations in Mainland China will increase to a total of 20, and the new route will operate four times per week.

Cathay Pacific will deploy Airbus A330-300 aircraft on the Hong Kong–Urumqi route, offering passengers in both Business and Economy Class a comfortable experience in well-appointed cabins.

Flights will be organized according to the following schedule, all times local:

Flight No.: CX998
Origin: Hong Kong (HKG)
Destination: Urumqi (URC)
Departure: 01:30
Arrival: 07:00
Days of Operation: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Flight No.: CX997
Origin: Urumqi (URC)
Destination: Hong Kong (HKG)
Departure: 10:15
Arrival: 15:20
Days of Operation: Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Hong Kong strengthens its position as an international aviation hub, while Urumqi becomes an exciting new destination. Through this initiative, Hong Kong is reinforcing its status as an international aviation hub, and Urumqi is emerging as a highly attractive new destination.

Cathay Pacific hopes that, in addition to passenger services, this aviation hub will bring another significant benefit to the community — the advancement of air cargo transportation.

With this development, Urumqi will become a starting point for new cargo corridors, which in turn will facilitate the transport of air freight to various cities across Mainland China, with shipments arriving at Hong Kong International Airport from numerous global destinations.

Comments from Cathay Management, Gov Reps

Mable Chan, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Transport and Logistics, stated during her speech at the reception, "In May of last year, the Central Government expanded the Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) by adding eight new cities, including Urumqi. The launch of this new direct route today reflects our commitment to meeting the Central Government’s support and expectations for Hong Kong. With its proximity to Central Asia, Urumqi not only strengthens Hong Kong’s connectivity with Mainland China but also serves as a bridge to other continents, extending our reach to key destinations along the Belt and Road Initiative.”

Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer of Cathay, commented, "With its vibrant mix of cultural experiences and stunning landscapes, Urumqi is the latest addition to our growing network in Mainland China. We are excited to welcome customers aboard our flights and offer them the opportunity to explore the unique attractions of Xinjiang’s capital city.”

Far East, Global Expansion

The Hong Kong–Urumqi flights are not the only new developments. HK Express (UO), Cathay Pacific’s low-cost carrier, will launch new routes to Yiwu and Changzhou in May 2025. With this expansion, Cathay Group will cover a total of 22 destinations across Mainland China, operating more than 300 weekly return flights during the summer peak season.

Cathay Group is also carrying out its previously announced global network expansion, adding 15 new destinations, including Hyderabad, Brussels, Munich, Rome, and Dallas under Cathay Pacific, while HK Express is launching new flights to Nha Trang, Changzhou, Yiwu, Cheongju, as well as Daegu, Sendai, Ishigaki, Komatsu, and Miyako (Shimojishima).

With all these new services, Cathay Group will surpass the milestone of 100 destinations in the first half of 2025, enhancing connectivity and providing travelers with smoother journeys to business and tourist centers around the world.

Stay connected at every stop along your journey! Get any Saily mobile data plan at 5% off with the code AIRWAYSMAG5 + up to 5GB free!