The Cathay Group has announced a significant increase in both passenger and cargo traffic for July 2026. Cathay Pacific and HK Express together transported approximately 3.5 million passengers, marking a 9% rise compared to July 2025. Cargo operations also saw a boost, with Cathay Cargo handling around 149,000 tonnes, a 6% year-on-year increase. However, the company noted a rise in jet fuel prices due to escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Cathay Pacific reported a 9% increase in passenger numbers for July 2026 compared to the previous year, with Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) up by 5%. Over the first seven months of 2026, passenger numbers rose by 16% compared to the same period in 2025. Lavinia Lau, Cathay's Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, highlighted robust leisure travel demand, driven by long-haul traffic from students and those visiting friends and relatives.

Cathay Cargo's performance was bolstered by strong demand from Northeast and Southeast Asia, with a 6% increase in cargo tonnage compared to July 2025. The company plans to expand freighter capacity to the Americas and on selected regional routes later this year to meet ongoing demand.

HK Express also experienced growth, carrying around 760,000 passengers in July 2026, a 10% increase year-on-year. The airline's Thailand and Chinese Mainland routes were particularly popular, with a new daily service to Wuxi receiving positive feedback. Looking ahead, Cathay Group anticipates continued strong demand for both passenger and cargo services.

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