Cathay Group Unveils Traffic Data for September 2025
Cathay Group reports significant growth in passenger numbers and cargo as it expands its flight network.
The Cathay Group released its traffic figures for September 2025 on October 22. The ninth month typically sees a downturn in travel following peak summer months, yet the Group reported a year-on-year growth in passenger figures throughout September.
Group Chief Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau stated: “Cathay Pacific and HK Express combined transported over 2.7 million passengers, marking an increase of 20% compared to September 2024. Additionally, leading into the traditional air cargo peak season, Cathay Cargo moved more than 130,000 tonnes of cargo, slightly more than the previous year.”
Lau further explained that new non-stop flights between Hong Kong and Changsha will commence on November 4, increasing the Group’s network to 24 destinations in mainland China.
September 2025 in figures
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific saw a 21% increase in passenger numbers year-on-year, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) growing by 20%. In the first three quarters of 2025, passenger numbers rose by 27% compared to the same period in 2024.
Lau noted, “As the summer holiday season came to an end, we noticed a shift towards outbound student travel in September, particularly on flights to the UK. The demand for Japan also experienced a significant rebound, with passenger numbers exceeding previous years due to connecting traffic from our network. Consequently, our premium cabin load factors reached the highest levels for the year, driven by various events in Hong Kong and fashion weeks in Milan and Paris.”
Looking ahead, demand for Christmas and year-end travel is strengthening, prompting Cathay Pacific to schedule more flights and add destinations to enhance customer options and connectivity.
HK Express
HK Express acknowledged around 530,000 passengers for September 2025, a 16% rise from last year, with ASKs growing by 11%.
Cathay Cargo
Cathay Cargo shipped 1% more cargo than in September 2024, while AFTKs increased by 4%.
Overall, while September showed a drop from the previous month due to typhoon impacts, the year-on-year growth trend persisted, supported by robust demands.
