Cathay Pacific Plans Direct Flights to Almaty

Cathay Pacific Expands Connectivity with New Almaty Route

Cathay Pacific has announced plans to launch direct flights between Hong Kong and Almaty, Kazakhstan, further expanding its network in Central Asia. The new service is expected to commence in the first quarter of 2027, subject to regulatory approvals.

The airline plans to operate three flights per week using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Once launched, the route will provide a direct air link between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan, strengthening connectivity between the two markets.

The announcement was made during a visit to Kazakhstan by a delegation led by Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau joined the delegation as part of efforts to explore business and trade opportunities in Central Asia.

Speaking at a ceremony in Almaty, Lau said the region continues to offer growing opportunities for trade, investment and tourism. She noted that the new service builds on Cathay Pacific’s recent network expansion initiatives and supports stronger connections between Hong Kong and emerging markets across Central Asia.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s commercial and cultural centre, plays an important role in the country’s economy, with industries such as manufacturing, mining, and industrial production. Kazakhstan is also Hong Kong’s largest trading partner in Central Asia, while economic cooperation and Belt and Road-related activity continue to drive demand across the region.

In addition to business travel, Kazakhstan’s tourism sector has attracted increasing attention, with visitors drawn to its outdoor activities, mountain landscapes and cultural attractions throughout the year. The country is also scheduled to host the Asian Winter Games in 2029.

Cathay Pacific said the new route aligns with its broader strategy of strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub and improving connections between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and destinations worldwide.

Together, Cathay Pacific and HK Express currently operate close to 600 return flights each week to 33 destinations linked to Belt and Road markets, as well as more than 330 weekly return flights between Hong Kong and 24 destinations in the Chinese Mainland.

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