Cathay volume soars 27% in 2025 on year-end travel, expanded capacity

The group reported 36 million passengers during the year.

The Cathay Group reported strong passenger and cargo growth in 2025, due to a year-end travel surge and expanded flight capacity.

Cathay Pacific and HK Express set a single-day record on 27 December by carrying more than 125,000 passengers which was then surpassed on 3 January with over 126,000 passengers.

The two airlines transported more than 36 million passengers in 2025, up 27% from 2024, whilst available seat capacity grew by over 25%.

Cathay Cargo handled more than 1.6 million tonnes of freight in 2025, an increase of over 9% year on year.

Cathay Pacific had a 22% rise in December passenger numbers, supported by strong inbound traffic from North America, Europe, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, as well as higher outbound leisure travel to regional destinations and the Chinese mainland, according to a press statement.

HK Express carried more than 780,000 passengers in December, up 24% YoY, and posted 30% growth for 2025 as it continued to expand its network.

The group said advance bookings for the Lunar New Year are accelerating, signalling continued demand into early 2026.