Cathay's HK-Urumqi flight attracts Southeast Asian tourists

Cathay Pacific Airways (0293) said the coming Hong Kong-Urumqi direct flight has attracted Southeast Asian tourists, showcasing the city’s connectivity with the world.

Hong Kong’s flagship carrier will launch a new weekly direct flight service between Hong Kong and Urumqi of Xinjiang in mainland China starting April 28, expanding its network in mainland China to 20 passenger destinations.

Cathay Group chief executive Ronald Lam Siu-por noted strong interest from Southeast Asian travelers, highlighting Urumqi's strategic role as a key transit hub to Central Asia. "International passengers can now conveniently connect through Urumqi to reach Central Asian destinations," Lam said.

He added that Urumqi's inclusion last year in China's Individual Visit Scheme for Hong Kong and Macau travel will help bring more Xinjiang tourists to Hong Kong while enabling international visitors to access Urumqi via Hong Kong.

At the celebration event today, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan emphasized Urumqi's importance as "a vital gateway facing Central Asia," which strengthens not only Hong Kong's links with mainland China but also intercontinental connectivity. 

"This aligns with the Belt and Road Initiative,” she said, urging Cathay Pacific to further elevate Hong Kong's aviation industry.

The new route underscores Hong Kong's growing role as an international aviation hub bridging China and global markets.

STAFF REPORTER