Cathay Pacific to launch new route to Almaty in 2027

Cathay Pacific will introduce a new route between Hong Kong and Almaty next year.

Expected to be launched during the fist quarter of 2027, Cathay Pacific will operate three weekly flights between Hong Kong and Almaty using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Cathay Pacific will be the lone airline to operate regularly scheduled passenger flights on the route.

Announced during an event promoting trade between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, Cathay Pacific Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said: “Central Asia is a strategically important Belt and Road region that offers ample business opportunities. As Hong Kong’s home hub carrier, Cathay has aligned interests with the HKSAR Government in strengthening our connectivity with this emerging market.”

“Last year, we launched direct flights to Urumqi in Northwestern China, a city whose close proximity to Central Asia extended our reach not only in the Chinese Mainland, but also to other key destinations along the Belt and Road. As we celebrate '80 Years Together' with our home city, we are excited to build on that momentum by announcing plans to operate direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, our first ever destination in Central Asia, fostering new opportunities for people, cargo and capital flow with this dynamic region.”

Kazakhstan is Hong Kong’s largest trading partner and leading export market in Central Asia. Demand between the Chinese Mainland and Central Asia has grown steadily in recent years, underpinned by trade, investment and Belt and Road activity.