Dailymirror.news,April,3rd,2025:Cathay Pacific is expanding its presence in India with the resumption of non-stop passenger service from Hyderabad to Hong Kong, starting 31 March 2025. The service will operate three times a week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays—enhancing connectivity for travelers heading to Hong Kong and beyond.

With this addition, Cathay Pacific now serves five major Indian cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad—strengthening its role as a key carrier linking India with its home hub in Hong Kong.

Strengthening India-Hong Kong Connectivity

Rakesh Raicar, Regional General Manager for South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at Cathay Pacific, highlighted the importance of this route:

“Resuming flights to Hyderabad is a major step in our India expansion strategy. This underscores our commitment to offering Indian travelers more options, improved connectivity, and world-class service.”

With Hyderabad’s growing economy and rising outbound travel demand, this service reinforces Cathay Pacific’s goal of fostering stronger international links while enhancing Hong Kong’s status as a global aviation hub.

Industry Response

Pradeep Panicker, CEO of GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd., welcomed the airline’s return:

“We are thrilled to welcome back Cathay Pacific to Hyderabad. The return of direct flights to Hong Kong is a key milestone in our international connectivity. This will strengthen business ties, tourism, and cultural exchange between these two vibrant regions. Moreover, the increased belly cargo capacity will benefit the Hyderabad market, particularly for time-sensitive shipments like perishables, mail, and courier services.”

Expanding Operations

Cathay Pacific will operate its Airbus A330-300 aircraft on this route, featuring Business and Economy class options. With this service, the airline now operates 39 return passenger flights per week from India, increasing to 43 weekly flights by 1 September 2025. The enhanced schedule will include five weekly flights from Hyderabad, double-daily flights from Delhi, ten weekly flights from Mumbai, and daily flights from Bengaluru and Chennai.

Hyderabad, known for its booming IT and business sectors, has seen a rise in international travel demand. The city’s strategic location and enhanced infrastructure, including the expansion of Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (RGIA), further boost its appeal as a long-haul travel hub. RGIA now connects to 72 domestic and 23 international destinations and reported a 19% year-on-year passenger traffic growth in 2024.

Boosting Cargo Services

Beyond passenger travel, Cathay Pacific’s return to Hyderabad strengthens cargo transport capabilities. The airline’s belly cargo space will enable efficient logistics for pharmaceuticals, electronics, and high-value goods. Cathay Cargo operates up to 13 weekly freighter flights between Hong Kong and major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai, alongside cargo capacity in passenger aircraft.

Flight Schedule

30 March – 15 May 2025

  • CX673: Departs Hong Kong (HKG) at 21:40, arrives Hyderabad (HYD) at 00:45+1 (Wed, Sat, Sun)
  • CX672: Departs Hyderabad (HYD) at 01:50, arrives Hong Kong (HKG) at 09:30 (Mon, Thu, Sun)

16 May – 31 August 2025

  • CX673: Departs HKG at 21:55, arrives HYD at 00:45+1 (Wed, Sat, Sun)
  • CX672: Departs HYD at 01:50, arrives HKG at 09:50 (Mon, Thu, Sun)

1 – 15 September 2025

  • CX673: Departs HKG at 21:55, arrives HYD at 00:45+1 (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
  • CX672: Departs HYD at 01:50, arrives HKG at 09:50 (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)

16 September – 25 October 2025

  • CX673: Departs HKG at 21:40, arrives HYD at 00:45+1 (Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
  • CX672: Departs HYD at 01:50, arrives HKG at 09:30 (Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)

For more details, visit: Cathay Pacific Hyderabad Launch.