Cathay Pacific Sees A Strong Rebound In Thailand, US, And China Routes In The Second Half Of 2025, Highlighting Successful Recovery From Earlier Setbacks

Published on November 22, 2025

Cathay Pacific is experiencing a significant recovery in its operations, particularly on its routes to Thailand, the United States, and China, in the second half of 2025. This rebound highlights the airline’s successful strategy in overcoming the challenges it faced earlier, including pandemic-related disruptions and market volatility. With increased demand for international travel and the strengthening of its network in these key markets, Cathay Pacific has successfully regained its position, showcasing resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

Cathay Pacific has experienced a remarkable rebound in its Thailand route performance, marking a significant recovery from earlier challenges that stemmed from safety concerns and political instability. The Hong Kong-based airline recently confirmed that its Thailand operations have been gaining substantial ground in the second half of 2025, following a period of underperformance at the start of the year. While the airline’s results were initially subdued due to external factors, including political unrest in the region, the company is now witnessing a strong resurgence in travel demand, particularly from transit passengers traveling through its Hong Kong hub.

The airline attributed the improved performance to a combination of factors, including the growing appetite for long-haul travel and a renewed interest in Thailand as a destination. Momentum has increased significantly in recent months, with long-haul demand, particularly from markets like the United States, driving a surge in bookings. One of the contributing factors to the rise in traffic is believed to be Thailand’s high-profile appearance in the third season of The White Lotus, the hit HBO series, which has piqued global interest in the country’s culture, luxury resorts, and picturesque landscapes. The impact of the show has resonated strongly with travelers seeking to explore destinations made famous in popular media.

Cathay Pacific’s commitment to its Southeast Asian routes has been evident as the airline has worked to restore flight frequencies to pre-pandemic levels. This includes up to eight daily flights between Hong Kong and Bangkok, one of its most important routes in the region. With the growing demand for travel to Thailand, the airline has managed to recapture its position as a major carrier for travelers to and from the country. In addition, Cathay’s budget subsidiary, HK Express, has continued to play a pivotal role in driving growth for the airline group. The budget arm recently launched new routes to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu, further expanding its presence in Southeast Asia and providing affordable options for travelers.

However, the airline is facing increasing competition from Chinese carriers, many of which are expanding their operations in Southeast Asia under newly established visa-free agreements. Despite the competitive pressure, Cathay Pacific remains confident in its ability to attract transit passengers through its Hong Kong hub, which serves as a convenient and well-connected stopover for international travelers. The airline has emphasized that it remains a preferred option for passengers seeking smooth connections between long-haul flights, making it a vital link between the West and Southeast Asia.

At present, Cathay Pacific has no plans to add new Thai destinations to its network but will continue to focus on maintaining and strengthening its current schedule. The airline’s services to Bangkok and Phuket, as well as HK Express flights to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, will remain the cornerstone of its Thai operations for the foreseeable future. This approach allows the airline to concentrate its resources on enhancing the frequency and reliability of its existing routes, ensuring that passengers have a seamless travel experience.

To support its growing customer base and further enhance the travel experience, Cathay Pacific has introduced its new Aria Suite business class on a select fleet of 10 Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. This new product, which is set to be fully deployed by the end of 2025, is designed to provide passengers with an elevated level of comfort and luxury, particularly on long-haul routes. The Aria Suite is already in operation on certain flights, including some between Hong Kong and Bangkok, offering business class travelers a more exclusive and refined travel experience. The new seating configuration and improved amenities are part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction.

Looking to the future, Cathay Pacific has also outlined its plans to further upgrade its fleet. The airline is set to retrofit its A330 regional aircraft with lie-flat beds, which will significantly improve the comfort of its passengers on medium-haul flights. Additionally, Cathay has placed an order for 35 new Boeing 777-9 jets, the first of which is expected to be delivered in 2027. These new aircraft will be part of the airline’s strategy to expand its long-haul fleet and ensure that it remains competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation industry. With these upgrades, Cathay aims to strengthen its position as a leading carrier in Asia and beyond.

In addition to its passenger services, Cathay Pacific’s cargo division continues to thrive in Southeast Asia, driven by strong demand for key exports from the region. The airline has seen particularly high demand for electronics, fruit, and pharmaceuticals, which are among the most important cargo items shipped through its Hong Kong hub. The growing global demand for these products has bolstered the airline’s revenue from its freight operations, making it an essential contributor to the overall success of the company.

Cathay Pacific has successfully rebounded on its Thailand, US, and China routes in the second half of 2025, driven by a strong recovery in global travel demand and effective strategies to overcome previous disruptions.

Cathay Pacific’s efforts to recover and expand its Thailand routes have yielded impressive results in 2025, and the airline is poised for further growth in the coming years. While competition in the Southeast Asian market continues to intensify, the airline’s strategic investments in fleet upgrades, expanded flight frequencies, and new product offerings place it in a strong position to capitalize on the increasing demand for travel in the region. With a continued focus on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, Cathay Pacific is set to remain a key player in the Southeast Asian aviation market for years to come.