Cathay Group reports strong June traffic growth and expects significantly higher first-half profit

The Cathay Group carried more than 3.1 million passengers and around 145,000 tonnes of cargo in June 2026, with both figures up 9% year-on-year, as the Hong Kong-based airline group continued its growth momentum despite higher jet fuel prices.

Cathay Pacific recorded a 12% increase in passenger numbers compared with June 2025, while capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASKs), rose by 6%. Passenger traffic for the first six months of 2026 was 17% higher than during the same period last year. The airline said demand remained strong across both short- and long-haul markets, supported by the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, increased transit traffic through Hong Kong and continued strength in premium business and leisure travel.

Low-cost subsidiary HK Express carried more than 560,000 passengers in June, down 4% year-on-year, reflecting a 7% reduction in capacity after the airline consolidated some flights to offset higher fuel costs. However, passenger numbers for the first half of 2026 were still 10% higher than a year earlier, with strong load factors on routes to mainland China, the Philippines and Thailand. The airline also recently launched daily services to Wuxi, further expanding the group’s mainland China network.

Cathay Cargo transported 9% more freight in June than a year earlier, while first-half cargo volumes also increased by 9%. Growth was driven by strong shipments from mainland China to Southeast Asia, resilient demand within Asia and continued strength in specialist products, particularly for semiconductor and pharmaceutical shipments. The airline said it is monitoring the potential impact of new European customs duties on low-value e-commerce imports.

The Cathay Group also expects a significant improvement in its financial performance. It forecasts a first-half 2026 profit attributable to shareholders of HK$6.0-6.5 billion, compared with HK$3.7 billion in the first half of 2025. The result includes a HK$1.4 billion gain related to the partial dilution of its stake in Air China, while improved passenger demand, stronger cargo performance, better results at HK Express and higher contributions from associated companies also contributed to the increase.

The group’s full interim results are scheduled to be published in August 2026.