Cathay Pacific is set to launch a new non-stop passenger service between Hong Kong and Urumqi. The airline marked the occasion with a cocktail reception at Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong on April 25, 2025. The event was hosted by Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam and attended by notable guests, including Mable Chan, Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
The service will begin on April 28, 2025, expanding Cathay Group's reach in the Chinese Mainland to 20 destinations. This four-times-weekly return service connects passengers from Hong Kong to an important Belt and Road hub in Northwestern China.
Mable Chan highlighted the significance of this route: “In May of last year, the Central Government expanded the multiple-entry Individual Visit Scheme (IVS) by adding eight new cities, including Urumqi. The launch of this new direct flight today reflects our commitment to fulfilling the Central Government’s support and expectations for Hong Kong."