Cathay Pacific has announced the addition of a fourth weekly flight from Hong Kong to Riyadh, enhancing its service on this route. The new flight will operate during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) summer season, with departures from Hong Kong on Fridays, complementing existing flights on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The additional service will utilize an Airbus A350-900 aircraft, consistent with Cathay Pacific’s current operations between these two cities. The aircraft is configured to accommodate 280 passengers across business, premium economy, and economy classes.
According to Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning tool, Cathay Pacific remains the sole airline offering direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh. The carrier resumed this route in November 2024 after a hiatus since February 2017. During that period, it had used an Airbus A330-300 for four weekly flights.
Data from OAG Traffic Analyzer indicates that over 10,000 passengers traveled one-way between these destinations from August 2023 to July 2024. Previously, Saudi Arabia’s SAUDIA operated twice-weekly flights on this route until March 2011.
Airport Coordination Limited reports that despite losing some historic slots, Cathay Pacific’s slot portfolio has expanded to accommodate the new weekly flight. Apart from Riyadh, Cathay Pacific also serves Dubai International Airport with daily flights throughout the year.
Cirium’s data also shows that Cathay Pacific plans to grow its non-Asian network significantly in June by increasing weekly departures and seat availability compared to the previous year. This expansion includes introducing new routes such as Dallas/Fort Worth and Rome Fiumicino Airport.
