Cathay Pacific restarts non-stop flights between Hyderabad and Hong Kong

Hyderabad: Cathay Pacific has resumed its non-stop passenger service between Hyderabad and Hong Kong. The airline restarted operations on the route on March 31, with flights running three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

With Hyderabad joining its network, Cathay Pacific now operates scheduled passenger services in five Indian cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad. The airline plans to increase the frequency of Hyderabad flights to five times a week from September 1, 2025.

Growing connectivity for South India

The return of Cathay Pacific to Hyderabad was welcomed by GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd. (GHIAL), which operates Rajiv Gandhi International Airport. The move is seen as a key development in enhancing Hyderabad’s international connectivity and economic prospects.

“We are delighted to welcome back Cathay Pacific to Hyderabad,” said Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GHIAL. “The resumption of direct flight services between Hyderabad and Hong Kong represents a significant milestone in our international connectivity. This development will facilitate stronger business ties, tourism, and cultural exchange between these two dynamic regions.

“Additionally, the resumption introduces valuable belly cargo capacity, allowing us to offer more time-bound solutions for the Hyderabad market, particularly benefiting time-sensitive products such as perishables, mail, and courier services,” he added.

Strategic expansion in India

Cathay Pacific’s renewed focus on Hyderabad aligns with its broader India expansion strategy. The city’s economic growth and rising demand for international travel have made it an important market for the airline.

“Resuming flights to Hyderabad is a significant step in our India expansion strategy,” said Rakesh Raicar, Regional General Manager for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Cathay Pacific. “With this resumption, we remain committed to providing Indian travellers with more choice, greater connectivity, and world-class service.

“Hyderabad’s economic rise and growing outbound travel demand make it a vital addition to our network. As we continue to enhance our operations, our focus remains on fostering connections – bringing people, businesses, and economies closer while reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub,” he said.

Flight schedule and operations

The Hong Kong–Hyderabad route is operated using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering Business and Economy Class cabins. The airline’s flight schedule on the route will vary slightly over the coming months:

• March 30 – May 15, 2025: Three weekly flights (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday from Hong Kong; Monday, Thursday, Sunday from Hyderabad)

• May 16 – August 31, 2025: Same frequency, with minor timing adjustments

• September 1 – September 15, 2025: Increased to five weekly flights

• September 16 – October 25, 2025: Five weekly flights will continue with updated timing

By September 2025, Cathay Pacific will operate a total of 43 return passenger flights per week across India: double-daily flights from Delhi, 10 weekly from Mumbai, daily from Bengaluru and Chennai, and five from Hyderabad.

Hyderabad’s aviation growth

Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has experienced rapid growth, emerging as one of the fastest-growing metro airports in India. The airport recorded its highest-ever daily passenger traffic of 93,575 on February 22, 2025, and the highest number of air traffic movements (622) on February 26, 2025. It served more than 25 million passengers in 2024, up from 21 million in 2023 — a 19% year-on-year increase.

Currently, the airport connects to 72 domestic and 23 international destinations, underlining Hyderabad’s increasing prominence as a hub for business and long-haul travel.

Cargo capacity and business support

Alongside passenger services, the resumed flights provide added belly cargo capacity. This enhances logistical support for industries in Hyderabad, particularly for the shipment of pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, and express deliveries.

Cathay Cargo already operates up to 13 dedicated freighter flights weekly to Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. With the inclusion of Hyderabad, businesses in the region now have access to more efficient cargo options through Cathay’s global network.

Global reach

Cathay Pacific and its low-cost carrier HK Express plan to operate flights to over 100 destinations worldwide by the end of 2025. Thirteen new destinations have already been announced this year, further extending the airline’s global reach.

The return of Cathay Pacific’s service to Hyderabad marks a significant step in connecting India with East Asia, North America, and the broader Asia-Pacific region through Hong Kong – reinforcing the city’s position as a key global aviation hub.