Cathay Pacific Sees Historic January 2026 Growth: Over 3 Million Passengers Worldwide
Cathay Pacific has entered 2026 with remarkable growth, transporting over 3.3 million passengers in January. This figure represents an 11% increase compared to the same month in 2025, signaling a robust recovery in air travel.
Cathay Pacific’s Record-Breaking Start
The Cathay Group, including Cathay Pacific and HK Express, achieved significant milestones this January. On February 14, 2026, they set a new single-day passenger record, exceeding 100,000 travelers, highlighting the airline’s resurgence.
Factors Driving Passenger Growth
The surge in January can be attributed to various factors:
- Post-Holiday Demand: Increased travel following the New Year holiday contributed to higher passenger numbers.
- Business Travel Resurgence: A notable rebound in business travel, especially in premium cabins, has played a crucial role.
- Increased Connectivity: More flight frequencies boosted transit traffic through Hong Kong, reinforcing its position as a leading aviation hub.
Regional Traffic Contributions
Passenger growth was particularly influenced by regional markets, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia being major contributors. These regions continue to support both leisure and business travel patterns:
- UAE: The UAE remains a significant market for Cathay, attracting many travelers.
- Saudi Arabia: Increased international travel from Saudi Arabia saw a noteworthy uptick.
- Lunar New Year Surge: The festive period fueled additional leisure travel across Asia.
HK Express Performance
HK Express, the low-cost subsidiary of the Cathay Group, also reported encouraging growth in January 2026, with over 710,000 passengers carried, marking an 8% increase year-on-year. Its Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) expanded by 13%.
The airline saw growing demand, especially on routes to South Korea and Thailand. A significant achievement for HK Express was the establishment of a new single-day record on February 20, 2026, surpassing 30,000 passengers.
Load Factors and Future Outlook
In January 2026, Cathay Pacific’s load factor was at 84.9%, a slight decline from the previous year. HK Express recorded a load factor of 81.1%, also showing a year-on-year decrease. Despite these minor declines, both airlines remain optimistic about the future.
As 2026 progresses, Cathay Group plans to expand its network further. Anticipation builds for strong travel demand in upcoming peak seasons, particularly during Easter. With solid growth trends established, both Cathay Pacific and HK Express are poised to meet increasing traveler needs.
