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Cathay Pacific to launch direct flights from Almaty to Hong Kong in January 2027
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan /Economy & Trade

Cathay Pacific to launch direct flights from Almaty to Hong Kong in January 2027

From The Astana Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Cathay Pacific will launch direct flights between Almaty, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong starting January 9, 2027.
  • This new route will be the first direct air link between Kazakhstan and Hong Kong, expanding connectivity between Central Asia and Cathay Pacific's global network.
  • The service will operate three times a week, utilizing Airbus A330-300 aircraft, and is expected to enhance trade and travel connections, including cargo capacity.

Hong Kong-based airline Cathay Pacific is set to launch direct flights connecting Almaty, Kazakhstan, with Hong Kong beginning January 9, 2027. This inaugural direct air service marks a significant expansion of connectivity between Central Asia and the carrier’s extensive global network.

The airline will operate the route three times weekly, employing wide-body Airbus A330-300 aircraft. Cathay Pacific anticipates that this new service will not only strengthen the air link between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan but also enhance connectivity for travelers from Kazakhstan to mainland China and other international destinations. The initiative is also expected to bolster connections for countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Rakesh Raicar, Cathay Pacific's regional general manager for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the airline's commitment to improving global travel links. "Cathay Pacific is committed to strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world," he stated. Raicar added that the airline's network would offer convenient onward connections for travelers from Kazakhstan and improve access to Kazakhstan for international visitors.

Beyond passenger travel, the new route will introduce additional cargo capacity through the belly holds of the Airbus A330-300 aircraft. This development is poised to support trade flows between Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, and other international markets by providing enhanced access to key trade routes and cargo networks via the Cathay Cargo network.

Cathay Pacific is committed to strengthening connectivity between Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and the rest of the world.

— Rakesh RaicarCathay Pacific's regional general manager for South Asia, the Middle East and Africa, on the airline's strategic goals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Astana Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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