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Cathay Pacific Group reports 24% passenger traffic growth in February
March 19th 2026
Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried more than 3.2 million passengers in February 2026, up 24% from the same period last year, Cathay Pacific Group announced. Read More » Cathay Pacific carried 24% more passengers in February 2026 compared with February 2025, while capacity (ASK) increased by 16%. In the first two months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 17% compared with the same period for 2025. HK Express carried more than 730,000 passengers in February 2026, an increase of 25% year-on-year. Capacity (ASK) grew by 14%. In the first two months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 16% compared with the same period in 2025. “The first two months of 2026 have got off to an encouraging start with the solid momentum seen in January continuing into February, driven by the Lunar New Year travel peak,” Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said. Cathay Cargo carried 7% more cargo in February 2026 than in February 2025. Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 4%. In the first two months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 6% compared with the same period in 2025. “Turning to March, the global geopolitical environment is volatile, and this is causing unexpected shifts in passenger and cargo traffic flows as well as a significant increase in the price of jet fuel. In view of the current situation in the Middle East, we have temporarily suspended Cathay Pacific’s passenger flights as well as Cathay Cargo’s freighter services to Dubai and Riyadh up to and including 30 April 2026. As customers prioritise alternative travel routes due to airspace closures in the Middle East, we have added extra flights to London and provided additional capacity to Zurich in March to cater for a surge in demand for Europe. We are monitoring the situation closely and will remain agile in our response,” Lau said.
