Cathay Pacific to Launch Direct Flights to Rome and Increase Global Connectivity in 2025
Cathay Pacific has announced a significant expansion of its global network, beginning with the launch of direct flights from Hong Kong to Rome starting June 5, 2025. This route, operating three times a week during the summer season, marks the airline’s second direct route to Italy, complementing the existing five weekly flights to Milan-Malpensa, which will also see an increase to daily flights during the summer of 2025.
The new 5,778-mile route between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Rome-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) will utilize Cathay Pacific’s fleet of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Each aircraft offers 280 seats across three classes: 38 in Business Class, 28 in Premium Economy, and 214 in Economy Class. This enhancement in service not only boosts capacity but also ensures a luxurious and comfortable travel experience for passengers.
Flight schedules for the new route are meticulously planned, subject to final regulatory approvals. Flight CX293 is scheduled to depart Hong Kong at 00:45 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Rome at 07:50 local time. The return flight, CX292, will leave Rome at 11:45 on the same days, reaching Hong Kong at 05:20 the following morning. This service will be operational until October 25, 2025.
Strategic Expansion and Enhanced Global Connectivity
In addition to the new Rome route, Cathay Pacific is set to launch direct flights to several other cities in 2025. These new destinations include Hyderabad in March, Dallas-Fort Worth in April, Munich in June, and Brussels in August. This expansion is part of Cathay Pacific’s strategic efforts to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a premier international aviation hub.
The airline’s plans for 2025 include operating flights to major cities such as London-Heathrow, Manchester, Amsterdam, Milan, Madrid, Barcelona, Dublin, Copenhagen, Paris-CDG, Frankfurt, and Munich. The expansion not only enhances service offerings but also provides passengers with greater global connectivity and more travel options.
Furthermore, Cathay Pacific’s low-cost carrier, HK Express, is also expanding its network. In January 2025, HK Express will start new flights to Sendai Airport in Japan, enhancing competition with Greater Bay Airlines and Hong Kong Airlines. By the end of 2025, Cathay Group’s combined network is expected to encompass services to 100 destinations worldwide.
Commemorating Historical and Cultural Events
The reintroduction of the Hong Kong to Rome route is timely, coinciding with the Catholic Church’s 2025 Year of Jubilee, an event occurring every 25 years. This event is expected to attract numerous visitors to Rome, where they can explore its rich historical and cultural heritage. Cathay Pacific’s commitment to facilitating travel during this significant event reflects its dedication to meeting the needs of its customers, whether they are traveling for business, leisure, or cultural experiences.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, emphasized the airline’s long-standing connection with Italy, recalling the initiation of direct flights from Hong Kong to Rome in 1986. The resumption of these flights is much anticipated by customers, and Cathay Pacific is eager to welcome travelers aboard to experience its world-class service once again.