Cathay Pacific will increase its direct Adelaide to Hong Kong services this summer, adding more flights, passenger capacity and cargo space as South Australia continues to strengthen its international aviation links.
The airline will operate three direct flights a week between November and March, with services rising to five flights a week from December to February during the peak summer travel period.
The expanded schedule will provide around 1,400 seats each week between Hong Kong and Adelaide during those months, lifting seat capacity by almost 50 per cent compared with the airline’s first season after returning to the route last year.
The move comes as South Australia continues to rebuild and expand its international air network. Last month, China Eastern launched direct flights between Shanghai and Adelaide for the first time, adding another connection with one of the state’s key overseas markets.
Alongside carrying passengers, the extra Cathay Pacific services will provide additional air freight capacity for exporters. Industries including wine, seafood and advanced manufacturing are expected to benefit from improved access to overseas markets through Hong Kong, one of Asia’s busiest aviation hubs.
The expansion follows a record year for South Australian exports. Goods exports reached $18.4 billion in the 12 months to May 2026, while more than 23,000 tonnes of freight were shipped by air over the same period, an increase of 35 per cent on the previous year.
Passenger numbers have also continued to grow. Adelaide Airport recorded its busiest May on record, with more than 716,000 travellers passing through the terminal and international passenger numbers rising by 20 per cent compared with the same month last year.
The state government expects the increased services to support tourism, education and trade by providing easier access to South Australia from Hong Kong and more than 100 destinations across Cathay Pacific’s global network through its hub.
Minister for Trade and Investment Chris Picton said the additional services reflected growing international demand for South Australia.
He said the state was seeing more international flights alongside record export figures and growing passenger numbers through Adelaide Airport. According to Mr Picton, the expanded schedule would strengthen tourism, international education and export opportunities while improving links with major trading partners across Asia.
Adelaide MP Lucy Hood said the airline’s decision to increase flights showed confidence in South Australia’s visitor appeal.
She pointed to attractions including the state’s beaches, wildlife, food scene and regional destinations, saying improved connectivity would help bring more visitors to local tourism operators and businesses.
Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia and Oceania Aldric Chau said demand following the airline’s return to Adelaide had encouraged the increase in services.
He said the additional flights would make it easier for travellers to reach Adelaide while providing convenient onward connections through Hong Kong to destinations across Asia, Europe and North America.
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said Cathay Pacific had been a long-standing airline partner for more than 30 years.
He said the non-stop Hong Kong service had proven popular with holidaymakers, business travellers, international students and exporters, adding that passengers would also benefit from the introduction of the Airbus A350-900 on the route, offering Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 November 2026 until 27 March 2027, with additional Monday and Friday services running during December, January and February.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
