Which Key European Destinations is Cathay Pacific Relaunching Flights To?
Key Points
- 1Cathay Pacific resumed flights to Brussels (BRU) and launched new services to Munich (MUC) and Rome (FCO) in summer 2025.
- 2The airline now operates close to 100 weekly return flights to 12 European destinations, a significant capacity increase.
- 3The expansion is driven by strong post-pandemic demand, with a May 2025 load factor of 84.7%, the highest since 2015.
- 4All new and resumed European services are operated using the fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Cathay Pacific has significantly boosted its European network. The airline network expansion follows strong increased travel demand. This move is central to the carrier's long-haul route strategy. The airline is recovering its capacity after global easing travel restrictions.
Network Resumption and Growth
Cathay Pacific confirmed the Cathay Pacific flight resumption to key cities. The airline has returned to Brussels (BRU). This service resumed on August 3, 2025. Brussels flights operate four times weekly. The route was suspended during the 2020 pandemic.
In addition, the carrier launched new services to Munich (MUC). This new route began on June 16, 2025. Flights to Munich operate four times per week. Cathay Pacific also launched flights to Rome (FCO) in June 2025. These three cities mark a major step in the European destinations flight relaunch.
Fleet and Frequencies
All new and resumed services use the advanced Airbus A350-900 aircraft. This modern widebody jet offers efficiency and premium cabins. The A350-900 includes fully flat beds in Business Class. The aircraft choice supports the airline's premium service model.
During the summer 2025 peak season, Cathay Pacific is operating close to 100 return flights per week to Europe. This represents a substantial increase in capacity. The airline now serves 12 European destinations.
- London (LHR): Five daily flights
- Daily Service: Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris, and Zurich
- Four Weekly Flights: Barcelona, Brussels, Madrid, and Munich
- Three Weekly Flights: Rome
Market Context and Industry Impact
The expansion is directly tied to robust market performance. The airline’s load factor hit 84.7% in May 2025. This was the highest May value since 2015. Strong demand for long-haul routes is driving this growth. The Hong Kong hub is crucial for connecting Asia to Europe.
This growth aligns with broader industry trends reported by IATA. Global passenger traffic continues its strong post-pandemic recovery. Cathay Pacific's strategy focuses on nurturing new routes. New long-haul services may take up to 18 months to become profitable.
The challenge for the airline is managing competition. For example, Lufthansa also resumed its Munich-Hong Kong route in March 2025. The opportunity lies in leveraging Hong Kong's role as a major global mobility hub. This provides seamless connections to the Chinese mainland and Asia-Pacific. This is vital commercial aviation news for travelers and cargo operators alike.
This expansion plan demonstrates the airline's commitment to the European market. For more aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights. Regulators like the FAA monitor this capacity growth globally.
Topics
Written by
Ujjwal SukhwaniAviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
View ProfileYou Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Why Air China's HK$1.32 Billion Cathay Pacific Stake Sale Is 'Tactical'
Air China sold a 1.61% stake in Cathay Pacific for HK$1.32 billion, but CEO Ronald Lam called the move "tactical," assuring Air China remains a long-term strategic shareholder.
Does Cathay Pacific's Airbus A350 Service from Dubai to Hong Kong Live Up to the Hype?
Cathay Pacific's overnight service from Dubai to Hong Kong on the Airbus A350 offers a look at the airline's renowned long-haul product and commitment to passenger comfort.
Cathay Pacific Expands North America with New Airbus A350 Boston Route
Cathay Pacific will solidify its Hong Kong-Boston long-haul route with daily Airbus A350 service, boosting its North American network capacity.
Cathay Pacific Launches '80 Years Together' Celebration for 2026 Milestone.
Cathay Pacific has launched its '80 Years Together' program, celebrating the airline's 80th anniversary in 2026, highlighted by a special livery aircraft.
Singapore Airlines Adds A350 Daytime Flights to Colombo, Boosting Asia Links
Singapore Airlines launched three new Airbus A350-900 daytime flights weekly between Colombo and Singapore Changi, boosting its service to ten weekly flights and enhancing Asia-Pacific connectivity.
Qatar Airways' 9,032-Mile Doha-Auckland Service: An Ultra-Long-Haul Flagship.
Qatar Airways' 9,032-mile Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) service, operated by the Airbus A350-1000, is one of the world's longest non-stop flights, enhancing global connectivity.