NEW ROUTES 2026 #2: Cathay Pacific returns to Adelaide

• NEW ROUTES 2026 #1: Turkish Airlines plays long game—Australia’s almost-direct route to Europe
• NEW ROUTES 2026 #2: Cathay Pacific returns to Adelaide

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This seasonal route actually recommenced on 11 November 2025 and runs through until 27 March 2026. I’m including it, since it is very recent, and it will appear seasonally, returning in 2026.

I’m doing a series of posts on new routes in and out of Australia. Some are actually new routes, and some are new in the sense of having new aircraft, updated interiors, or other innovations. Looks like there will be nine posts in the series. I’ve already covered, and you can read about Turkish Airlines’ soon-to-be nonstop flights between Australia and Europe.

Introduction

For years, Adelaide travellers learned to accept the ritual of having to haul their suitcases to Sydney or Melbourne first, before the real long-haul journey began. The return of Cathay Pacific changes that equation. No longer will Adelaidians have to endure unnecessary domestic transfers on their way to Europe if they choose the Hong Kong-based Chinese carrier.

Three per week

Three weekly A350 flights might not sound headline-grabbing, but the timing works beautifully — daytime departures, evening arrival into Hong Kong, with onward connections fanning out overnight.

• CX174 departs Adelaide 12:00, arrives Hong Kong 17:40 (Wed, Fri, Sun)
• CX173 departs Hong Kong 23:30, arrives Adelaide 10:30 +1 Day (Wed, Fri, Sun)

Hong Kong just works

Hong Kong remains a refreshingly functional Airport. Transfers are fast, signage is clear, and you’re rarely miles from your gate.

This route will not currently feature the new Aria Business Class cabin, it will still streamline travel to either the US or Europe via Hong Kong. Connections to major US hubs include Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York (JFK), and San Francisco. European destinations are too numerous to mention, and all include OneWorld alliance benefits.

Cabin comfort

While Adelaide misses out on Cathay’s newest Aria suites (for now), the existing business class remains a strong, quiet performer: wide beds, decent privacy and a cabin ambience that encourages sleep.

Seasonal routes can be a test. So, if you want this to return at the end of 2026 – use it or lose it!

Advantages/Disadvantages

This route is great for:

• Adelaide-based travellers — avoiding a transfer on the eastern seaboard
• One-stop US and Europe itineraries
• Oneworld frequent flyers
• Stopovers in Hong Kong

It’s not so great for those who want to travel to Hong Kong other than in the Australian summer, given the current seasonality of the route.

2PAXfly Takeout

This admittedly seasonal route adds to the international connections out of Adelaide, joining airlines like Qantas, Jetstar, Air New Zealand, Malaysian, Qatar, Emirates and Singapore Airlines

It’s worth Eastern States residents keeping an eye out for prices on these ex-Adelaide routes. When bookings are low, there are sometimes bargains to be had, despite the additional cost of a domestic interstate flight.