Cathay Pacific Reassures Customers: Smooth Operations Guaranteed During Chinese New Year Travel Peak 2024

Over the Christmas travel peak, Cathay Pacific’s operations were stretched and led to operational disruption and some cancellations. The airline has taken measures to ensure its flights will operate normally for the coming Chinese New Year travel peak.

“We have taken measures to ensure Cathay Pacific’s flights will operate normally for the coming Chinese New Year travel peak. Hong Kong people travelling out and visitors coming to Hong Kong can be reassured that their travel will go ahead as planned. As we continue to rebuild, Cathay Pacific is committed to providing customers with more flight choices in a measured and reliable manner.”

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer

Cathay Pacific has reviewed its flight schedule and increased pilot standby levels to enhance the resilience of its operation. In addition, it has consolidated on average six flight pairs per day for the rest of January and February, focusing on routes with multiple daily frequencies where possible.  Affected passengers will be contacted individually and will be offered protection to the closest available flights, or a refund.

Media Statement Updated 10 January 2024

In order to ensure no flight cancellations for the Chinese New Year peak travel period between 7 and 18 February inclusive, Cathay Pacific has cancelled an average of 12 flights (or around 6 flight pairs) a day through January and February in total. All planned cancellations have now been made and affected customers have been contacted with alternative arrangements. Customers can also review their flight details through the Manage Booking function on the Cathay Pacific website and mobile app.

---

“In order to assure our customers that similar last-minute disruptions will not occur, we have also cancelled further flights until the end of February – while ensuring all customers booked to fly during the Chinese New Year peak travel period can travel as planned. We have worked hard to minimise the impact. Over 96% of customers affected between 1 January and 29 February have been given alternate flight options within 24 hours of their original departure time, while 93% have been protected onto other Cathay Pacific services, with the remaining protected onto our airline partners. In order to assure our customers that similar last-minute disruptions will not occur, we have also cancelled further flights until the end of February – while ensuring all customers booked to fly during the Chinese New Year peak travel period can travel as planned. We have worked hard to minimise the impact. Over 96% of customers affected between 1 January and 29 February have been given alternate flight options within 24 hours of their original departure time, while 93% have been protected onto other Cathay Pacific services, with the remaining protected onto our airline partners.”

Alex McGowan, Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer