Cathay Group September traffic rises 9% as cargo volumes grow 14%

Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried approximately three million passengers in September 2026, up 9% year-on-year, while Cathay Cargo transported more than 150,000 tonnes, an increase of 14%.

Cathay Pacific’s passenger numbers rose by 12%, alongside a 9% increase in capacity measured in available seat kilometres. The airline reported strong student traffic from Hong Kong and mainland China to long-haul destinations, particularly the UK, as well as sustained demand for premium cabins. Passenger numbers for the first nine months increased by 14%.

Cathay Cargo’s September tonnage growth exceeded its 5% increase in capacity, measured in available freight tonne kilometres. Demand from mainland China and Southeast Asia remained resilient, supported by time-critical shipments and semiconductor traffic. Cargo volumes were up 9% over the first nine months.

HK Express recorded a weaker month, carrying more than 520,000 passengers, down 1% despite a 10% capacity increase. The low-cost carrier nevertheless reported strong load factors on Philippine routes and passenger growth on mainland Chinese services. Its nine-month passenger total rose by 8%.

The group expects healthy passenger demand and a strengthening cargo market in the fourth quarter, although elevated jet fuel prices remain a challenge. HK Express will also add four weekly flights to Hefei from 3 December.