Cathay Pacific announced on 10 November that it will return to Adelaide after a five-year hiatus, operating three weekly rotations from 11 November 2025 to 27 March 2026. Flights CX 173/174 will depart Hong Kong every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using Airbus A350-900s configured with 38 Business, 28 Premium Economy and 214 Economy seats.
The seasonal route adds Cathay’s eighth Southwest Pacific destination and comes as part of the group’s broader network rebuild, which aims to restore 100 passenger destinations by mid-2026. Chief Customer & Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said the carrier is “testing the waters” before committing to year-round operations, citing strong outbound leisure demand during Hong Kong’s winter peak and the aircraft’s cargo capacity for South Australia’s seafood exports.
![Cathay Pacific revives Hong Kong–Adelaide service with thrice-weekly winter schedule]()
For global mobility teams, the reinstated service shortens travel times for mining, wine and education sector assignees shuttling between Hong Kong and South Australia, eliminating the need for a Sydney or Melbourne connection. The late-evening departure from Hong Kong also enables same-day mainland China–Adelaide itineraries under a single ticket.
Hong Kong residents may enter Australia on an eVisitor or working-holiday visa, while Australian passport holders continue to receive 90-day visa-free entry into Hong Kong—facilitating seamless short-term assignments and project work. Corporates should, however, note that only limited cargo allotments are available during the first month, with priority given to pharmaceuticals and high-value perishables.
The seasonal route adds Cathay’s eighth Southwest Pacific destination and comes as part of the group’s broader network rebuild, which aims to restore 100 passenger destinations by mid-2026. Chief Customer & Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said the carrier is “testing the waters” before committing to year-round operations, citing strong outbound leisure demand during Hong Kong’s winter peak and the aircraft’s cargo capacity for South Australia’s seafood exports.
For global mobility teams, the reinstated service shortens travel times for mining, wine and education sector assignees shuttling between Hong Kong and South Australia, eliminating the need for a Sydney or Melbourne connection. The late-evening departure from Hong Kong also enables same-day mainland China–Adelaide itineraries under a single ticket.
Hong Kong residents may enter Australia on an eVisitor or working-holiday visa, while Australian passport holders continue to receive 90-day visa-free entry into Hong Kong—facilitating seamless short-term assignments and project work. Corporates should, however, note that only limited cargo allotments are available during the first month, with priority given to pharmaceuticals and high-value perishables.
