June 26: The Cathay Group today announced its traffic figures for May 2026, reporting continued year-on-year growth across its passenger and cargo businesses, driven by strong travel demand and resilient air cargo performance.
Cathay Pacific and HK Express together carried more than 3.3 million passengers during the month, representing a 14% increase compared with May 2025. Meanwhile, Cathay Cargo transported more than 150,000 tonnes of cargo, marking an 11% year-on-year growth.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, said:
“We continued to see year-on-year growth in our travel and cargo businesses in May, despite the backdrop of high jet fuel prices. Our performance reflects strong customer demand, the strength of our network, and Hong Kong’s position as a key international aviation hub.”
Cathay Pacific Sees Strong Passenger Growth
Cathay Pacific carried 17% more passengers in May 2026 compared with the same period last year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 10%. During the first five months of 2026, passenger numbers grew by 19% year-on-year.
The airline recorded a strong start to May, supported by post-holiday travel demand across Asia, including Golden Week traffic, as well as increased travel over Hong Kong’s Buddha’s Birthday long weekend.
The airline also benefited from stronger connecting traffic through Hong Kong as travellers sought alternative routes amid changing regional travel conditions. Cathay Pacific achieved a network-wide load factor of 87%, with premium cabins continuing to experience strong demand from business and premium leisure travellers.
Looking ahead, Cathay Pacific expects a positive summer travel season, with strong momentum on long-haul routes and increasing bookings for short-haul destinations.
Cathay Cargo Maintains Momentum
Cathay Cargo continued its growth trajectory, carrying 11% more cargo in May 2026 compared with May 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 6%.
For the first five months of 2026, total cargo tonnage rose by 8% year-on-year.
Growth was supported by strong demand on key trade lanes, particularly between the Chinese Mainland and Southeast Asia. Specialist solutions including Cathay Expert and Cathay Pharma also contributed to performance, with increased semiconductor, server, and pharmaceutical shipments across key markets.
Cathay Cargo further strengthened its long-term growth strategy with an order for two additional Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, bringing its total commitment to eight. The airline will also add an additional leased Airbus A330P2F freighter operated by Air Hong Kong, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a leading global air cargo hub.
HK Express Continues Expansion
HK Express carried more than 670,000 passengers in May 2026, representing a 5% increase year-on-year, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) grew by 4%.
Passenger numbers for the first five months of 2026 increased by 12% compared with the same period in 2025.
Demand remained strong across Southeast Asian routes, with Thailand and the Philippines among the most popular destinations. HK Express also recorded strong performance on its Beijing (Daxing) service, with load factors exceeding 90%.
The airline expects continued growth momentum as summer travel demand builds.
Network Expansion and Financial Update
The Cathay Group continues to expand its global network. Cathay Pacific recently announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027, marking the airline’s first destination in Central Asia and strengthening Hong Kong’s connectivity with the Belt and Road region. HK Express will also launch daily direct flights to Wuxi in July 2026.
Following Air China Limited’s completion of an A-share issuance announced on June 9, 2026, the Cathay Group expects to recognise a deemed disposal gain of approximately HK$1.4 billion in the first half of 2026. This follows the dilution of the Group’s equity interest in Air China from 15.09% to 12.85%.
The Cathay Group remains focused on strengthening its network, enhancing customer experience, and investing in sustainable growth across its passenger and cargo operations.