Hong Kong Tourism Accelerates as Cathay Group Reports Robust October Growth in Passengers: What You Need to Know

Published on November 25, 2025

Hong Kong’s tourism and air transport landscape is experiencing a significant uplift as the Cathay Group, comprising Cathay Pacific and HK Express, reported notable month-on-month growth in October 2025. Both passenger numbers and cargo volumes surged, reinforcing the city’s critical role as a global travel hub for luxury tourism, business travelers, and freight logistics, especially as the festive season approaches.

Passenger Growth Fuels Hong Kong’s Tourism Momentum

In October 2025 alone, Cathay Group airlines carried over 3.2 million passengers, marking a twenty-one percent increase compared to September, and a twenty-nine percent rise year-on-year for Cathay Pacific. The combined Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) rose by twenty-six percent, supported by a high load factor of eighty-six percent, one of the strongest Octobers on record. These figures highlight a rebound supported by burgeoning holiday travel from the Chinese Mainland and persistent premium demand, boosted by major trade fairs such as the Canton Fair and China Toy Fair, which attract global business visitors.

HK Express contributed substantially by carrying over six hundred eighty thousand passengers, a thirty-two percent increase over the previous year, while expanding capacity by thirty-four percent. Its continued success was driven by strong holiday traffic during China’s National Day “Golden Week.” These numbers point to a solid recovery in regional tourism and air travel demand, stabilizing Hong Kong’s inbound and outbound tourism markets.

Cargo Capacity and Demand Growth Strengthen Trade Linkages

Cathay Cargo reported a notable month-on-month volume increase, transporting over one hundred fifty thousand tonnes, up twelve percent compared to September, and up six percent year-on-year. Cargo demand was particularly driven by Cathay Fresh’s transportation of perishable produce from Southeast Asia, Oceania, and South America, along with Cathay Priority services catering to time-sensitive freight ahead of year-end sales events.

This uptick enhances Hong Kong’s status as a vital logistics hub in Asia-Pacific, sustaining supply chain stability for international trade and supporting tourism-related sectors reliant on timely delivery of goods.

Network Expansion and New Destinations

The Group continues to expand its regional and international footprint with new services launched from Hong Kong to Changsha and Adelaide, enhancing connectivity between key tourist and business destinations. Additionally, HK Express introduced daily flights to Kota Kinabalu, tapping into growing demand for travel to eco-tourism and culturally rich locations in Southeast Asia.

Peak Season Outlook and Forward Booking Trends

As the winter holiday peak approaches, Cathay Group plans to operate approximately three hundred thirty weekly return flights to the Chinese Mainland, nearly hundred to Oceania, and over four hudred thirty to Southeast Asia. Forward bookings remain strong, particularly from premium long-haul markets including North America and Europe, signaling positive sentiment for continued tourism recovery.

These booked volumes indicate confidence in Hong Kong’s tourism appeal and infrastructure, suggesting a resurgence of international leisure and corporate travel.

Implications for Hong Kong’s Tourism Economy

The surge in passenger and cargo capacity is expected to directly bolster Hong Kong’s economy through increased tourism spending, hotel occupancy, dining, retail, and cultural engagement. A vibrant aviation sector facilitates tourism expansion into secondary markets and regional cities further afield, diversifying economic benefits.

Additionally, broader cargo services support tourism supply chains, including food, souvenirs, luxury goods, and event logistics critical for maintaining a high-quality visitor experience.

Conclusion

Hong Kong’s role as a leading Asian tourism and transport hub is reinforced by Cathay Group’s dynamic October 2025 growth, driving volume across passenger and cargo segments. The expanding network into key markets and balanced capacity increases reflect tourism’s resilience amid a competitive global landscape.

By connecting travelers from the Chinese Mainland, Oceania, Southeast Asia, and long-haul destinations to Hong Kong, Cathay Group accelerates tourism momentum as the region anticipates an active and profitable winter season.

Image Credit: Cathay Pacific