Cathay Pacific Launches Direct Flights to Urumqi, Expanding Its Chinese Mainland Network

Cathay Pacific is adding another feather to its cap with the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Urumqi, marking its 20th passenger destination in the Chinese Mainland. Starting 28 April 2025, the four-times-weekly service will further enhance connectivity between Hong Kong and Northwestern China.

A Strategic Move for Global Expansion

The airline’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, Lavinia Lau, emphasized Urumqi’s significance as a Belt and Road hub and highlighted how this expansion aligns with Cathay’s goal of reaching 100 destinations worldwide in 2025.

“As Hong Kong’s home airline, we are committed to expanding travel options for our customers,” Lau said. “Urumqi adds an exciting new route to our growing network, enhancing travel between Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and beyond.”

Flight Schedule & Comfort Aboard the A330-300

Cathay Pacific will operate the Hong Kong-Urumqi route with Airbus A330-300 aircraft, offering passengers a choice between Business and Economy cabins. The flights will run as follows (all times local, subject to regulatory approval):

Flight No.	Origin	Destination	Departure	Arrival	Days of Operation
CX998	Hong Kong (HKG)	Urumqi (URC)	01:30	07:00	Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun
CX997	Urumqi (URC)	Hong Kong (HKG)	10:15	15:20	Mon, Thu, Sat, Sun

Through Cathay’s Hong Kong hub, passengers from Urumqi can conveniently connect to a vast global network spanning Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and beyond.

More Destinations in the Pipeline

The addition of Urumqi is part of a larger expansion strategy for 2025, with Cathay Pacific also launching new routes to Hyderabad, Dallas, Rome, Munich, and Brussels. Meanwhile, its low-cost arm HK Express has been actively growing, adding flights to Sendai, Nha Trang, Komatsu, Ishigaki, and Miyako (Shimojishima) in the coming months.

By the end of 2025, the Cathay Group aims to operate flights to over 100 destinations worldwide, cementing its position as a premier global carrier.

For more details on the new Hong Kong-Urumqi flights, visit Cathay Pacific’s website.