Hong Kong just got a whole lot closer, with Cathy Pacific resuming direct flights to Adelaide in a move expected to generate tens of millions of dollars for the state’s economy.
The announcement completes the re-establishment of all international routes flying into Adelaide before the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Cathay Pacific flights, which begin on Tuesday 11 November, will run three times a week between Hong Kong and Adelaide on a 290-seat A350-900 aircraft.
The flights, which will operate on a seasonal basis until 27 March 2026, will fly out of Adelaide on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
The reinstated Cathay Pacific service is estimated to generate $17 million per year for the state’s economy, with the value of freight exports estimated to be $15 million per year - bringing the total estimated expenditure generated to $32 million annually.
Cathay Pacific previously operated flights between Hong Kong and Adelaide, which ceased in March 2020 soon after the declaration of the global pandemic.
South Australia’s Asian tourism market injected $783 million into the state’s visitor economy in the year to December 2024, generating more than 8.3 million bed nights.
Hong Kong visitors are also known for spending an average of 11 nights in Australia, nearly double the average length of stay for all international visitors.
The news follows last month’s historic announcement of United Airlines commencing direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco from December 2025 in what will be the first ever direct route between South Australia and the United States of America.
Below is a list of airlines which have resumed, commenced, or will be commencing international flights out of Adelaide post-COVID:
- United Airlines: San Francisco – Adelaide
- Qatar Airways: Doha – Adelaide
- Singapore Airlines: Singapore – Adelaide
- Malaysia Airlines: Kuala Lumpur – Adelaide
- Air New Zealand: Auckland – Adelaide
- Fiji Airways: Nadi – Adelaide
- Jetstar: Denpasar – Adelaide
- Indonesia AirAsia: Denpasar – Adelaide
- China Southern Airlines: Guangzhou – Adelaide
- Emirates: Dubai – Adelaide
- Qantas: Auckland – Adelaide
- Cathay Pacific: Hong Kong – Adelaide
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said he was excited to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Adelaide.
"The airline first started flying to Adelaide in 1992 and it has been one of our more enduring international partnerships for many years," Mr Cox said.
"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."
Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager South West Pacific Frosti Lau said the new flights would give South Australians "the opportunity to explore Hong Kong and beyond, whether for leisure, business or a taste of home".
"We will be complementing this with our world-leading cargo capabilities which will spearhead delivery of local produce and products into Asia, Europe and the Middle East," Mr Lau said.
