Cathay Group carries record 3.6 million passengers in August 2026

Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried more than 3.6 million passengers in August 2026, an all-time monthly record for the Cathay Group and 4% more than a year earlier. The result reflected strong demand during the latter part of the summer peak, despite elevated jet fuel prices.

Cathay Pacific’s passenger numbers increased by 5% year on year, while capacity rose by 3%. Demand was particularly strong on leisure routes from Hong Kong and mainland China, alongside student travel to North America and the United Kingdom. During the first eight months of 2026, the airline carried 15% more passengers than in the same period of 2025.

HK Express transported more than 790,000 passengers, down 1% year on year, despite a 3% increase in capacity. Its mainland Chinese routes performed strongly, recording an average load factor of 90%. Passenger numbers for January–August were 8% higher than a year earlier.

Cathay Cargo carried more than 150,000 tonnes of freight in August, up 9%, while capacity increased by only 1%. Growth was supported by semiconductor shipments within Asia, pharmaceutical traffic from Europe and mainland China, and inventory replenishment ahead of the year-end peak. Cargo tonnage for the first eight months rose by 8%.

Cathay expects passenger demand to strengthen around China’s National Day Golden Week, while new technology launches and the traditional peak season should sustain cargo demand.