Cathay Group reports 11% passenger growth in January 2026, sets new single-day record

The Cathay Group reported a strong start to 2026, with continued growth in both passenger and cargo operations during January.

Across its airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, the Group carried more than 3.3 million passengers in January, up 11% year-on-year. Cargo volumes reached over 130,000 tonnes, representing 5% annual growth.

Momentum extended into February, when Cathay Pacific carried a record 100,747 passengers in a single day on 14 February — the first time it surpassed the 100,000 mark. Combined with HK Express, the Group transported approximately 128,000 passengers that day, setting a new single-day Group record.

Passenger performance

Cathay Pacific recorded an 11% increase in passengers in January, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) rising 14%. Demand was supported by outbound student travel, post-holiday return traffic, a rebound in business travel — particularly in premium cabins — and increased transit flows as frequencies expanded across the network.

HK Express carried more than 710,000 passengers in January, up 8% year-on-year, with ASKs increasing 13%. Growth was driven by strong demand on South Korea and Thailand routes, alongside healthy forward bookings for Mainland China and Southeast Asia. On 20 February, HK Express exceeded 30,000 passengers in a single day for the first time.

Cargo performance

Cathay Cargo carried 5% more cargo year-on-year, with Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) increasing 3%. Specialist cargo solutions performed strongly, including perishables shipments from Oceania under “Cathay Fresh,” pharmaceutical transport via “Cathay Pharma,” and the movement of 60 elite showjumping horses for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026.

While cargo demand softened during the extended Lunar New Year holiday period, the Group expects volumes to strengthen through the remainder of the first quarter.

Overall, Cathay Group’s January results reflect sustained travel demand, strengthened hub connectivity in Hong Kong, and stable cargo growth entering 2026.