Cathay Pacific has expanded its European operations by launching direct flights between Hong Kong and Rome for the 2025 summer season. The new route, which began on 5 June 2025, marks the fourth destination added to the airline’s global network this year.
The Hong Kong-based carrier previously introduced flights to key destinations such as Hyderabad, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Urumqi. Meanwhile, its low-cost subsidiary HK Express has added Asia-focused destinations including Sendai, Nha Trang, Ishigaki, Komatsu, Changzhou, and Yiwu.
Three Weekly Flights to Rome Operated by the A350
Cathay Pacific will operate three weekly flights to Rome (Monday, Thursday, Saturday) using its modern and environmentally friendly Airbus A350-900. The aircraft features:
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38 lie-flat Business Class seats
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28 Premium Economy seats
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214 Economy Class seats
Flight Schedule (5 June – 25 October 2025):
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CX293: Hong Kong (HKG) ➝ Rome (FCO) – Departs 00:30 / Arrives 07:35
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CX292: Rome (FCO) ➝ Hong Kong (HKG) – Departs 13:00 / Arrives 06:30 (+1)
Following daily flights to Milan, Rome becomes Cathay Pacific’s second destination in Italy, strengthening its European footprint. Other European destinations include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, Manchester, Paris, and Zurich.
“Rome is the Eternal City Reunited with Hong Kong”
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, stated:
“Rome has long been a key destination for Cathay Pacific. Thanks to strong customer demand, we’re delighted to resume our Rome service, which originally began in 1986. This summer, we’re also adding flights to Munich and Brussels.”
Lau added that Cathay Pacific will operate nearly 100 weekly round-trip flights to 12 European destinations throughout the summer, strengthening the air link between Europe and Hong Kong.
HK Express Expands Korean Network: Launches Flights to Cheongju and Daegu
Cathay Group’s low-cost airline HK Express launched direct flights to Cheongju (CJJ) and Daegu (TAE) in South Korea on 5 and 6 June 2025. With seven weekly round-trip flights, HK Express now serves five major Korean cities, including Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
KK Ong, HK Express Chief Commercial Officer, said:
“Korea is a core pillar of our Northeast Asia strategy. This expansion offers passengers exceptional flexibility and a unique travel experience.”
Partnership with JOGUMAN: A Fun Travel Experience
To celebrate the new routes, HK Express partnered with popular digital character brand JOGUMAN to launch a themed merchandise collection: “JOGUMAN meets HK Express: GOTTA GO YOUR WAY.”
Passengers on the inaugural Cheongju and Daegu flights received exclusive gifts, while JOGUMAN-themed tote bags, eco kits, and plush keychains will be available on all HK Express flights and through the Cathay Shop online store starting mid-June.