Cathay Pacific strengthens India network with Hyderabad relaunch, boosting passenger and cargo links to Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific has reaffirmed its commitment to the Indian aviation market by resuming its non-stop passenger service from Hyderabad to Hong Kong, starting 31 March 2025. The reinstatement of this key route further deepens the airline’s network in India, now spanning five major cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
The flight will operate three times weekly—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays—offering travellers from India’s burgeoning southern tech hub a seamless, premium experience to Hong Kong and onward destinations across Asia, the Pacific, and North America.
A Strategic Expansion
Rakesh Raicar, Regional General Manager for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Cathay Pacific, highlighted Hyderabad’s growing significance:
“Resuming flights to Hyderabad is a significant step in our India expansion strategy. With this resumption, we remain committed to providing Indian travellers with more choice, greater connectivity, and world-class service.”
He noted that Hyderabad’s expanding economy and increasing outbound travel demand make it a natural fit for Cathay’s growth plan, further enhancing Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub.
Boosting Trade and Tourism
The return of Cathay Pacific also enhances cargo capacity between India and Hong Kong. The additional belly cargo space on the Airbus A330-300 aircraft supports the shipment of time-sensitive products like perishables, pharmaceuticals, mail, and electronics. This move aligns with the growing demand for efficient logistics from South India’s pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries.
Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., emphasized the broader benefits:
“The resumption of direct flight services between Hyderabad and Hong Kong represents a significant milestone in our international connectivity. It will strengthen business ties, tourism, and cultural exchange.”
Hyderabad is now better positioned as a long-haul travel and cargo hub thanks to its strategic location, modern infrastructure, and increased international demand.
Extensive India-Hong Kong Connectivity
With Hyderabad’s return to its network, Cathay Pacific now operates 39 return passenger flights weekly from India, a number that will increase to 43 flights by 1 September 2025. These include:
- 5x weekly flights from Hyderabad
- 10x weekly flights from Mumbai
- 14x weekly (double-daily) flights from Delhi
- Daily flights from Bengaluru and Chennai
These frequencies offer Indian travellers greater flexibility and convenience when flying to Hong Kong or connecting to over 100 destinations through Cathay’s global network, including Japan, Korea, Australia, the U.S., and Europe.
Hyderabad Airport: A Rising Star
The Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA) in Hyderabad continues to show remarkable growth. In 2024, it served over 25 million passengers, marking a 19% increase from the previous year. On 22 February 2025, the airport recorded its highest-ever daily traffic at 93,575 passengers, and on 26 February, it logged 622 air traffic movements, the most in a single day.
Currently connected to 72 domestic and 23 international destinations, RGIA has become one of India’s most dynamic airports. Its recent expansion, under GMR’s leadership, is supporting this boom, enhancing Hyderabad’s stature as a global city.
Cathay Pacific’s Growing Presence
The resumed Hyderabad service will be operated by Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering Business and Economy Class cabins. This aligns with the airline’s premium travel experience while ensuring cargo capabilities for high-value shipments.
Cathay Pacific is also expanding its footprint globally. Along with its low-cost sister airline, HK Express, the Cathay Group is adding 13 new destinations in 2025, with a combined network that will exceed 100 destinations worldwide.
On the cargo front, Cathay Cargo currently operates 13 weekly freighter flights between Hong Kong and Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. With the additional belly space now available on Hyderabad flights, businesses in the region have more access to timely, reliable, and cost-effective shipping solutions.
Updated Flight Schedule: Hong Kong ↔ Hyderabad
30 March – 15 May 2025
- CX673: HKG → HYD | 21:40 – 00:45+1 | Wed, Sat, Sun
- CX672: HYD → HKG | 01:50 – 09:30 | Mon, Thu, Sun
16 May – 31 August 2025
- CX673: HKG → HYD | 21:55 – 00:45+1 | Wed, Sat, Sun
- CX672: HYD → HKG | 01:50 – 09:50 | Mon, Thu, Sun
1 – 15 September 2025
- CX673: HKG → HYD | 21:55 – 00:45+1 | Wed–Sun
- CX672: HYD → HKG | 01:50 – 09:50 | Mon, Thu–Sun
16 Sept – 25 Oct 2025
- CX673: HKG → HYD | 21:40 – 00:45+1 | Wed–Sun
- CX672: HYD → HKG | 01:50 – 09:30 | Mon, Thu–Sun
For more details and to book, visit: https://flights.cathaypacific.com/en_IN/offers/hyderabad-launch.html
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