The Cathay Group right this moment launched its visitors figures for February 2026, reflecting a robust begin within the first two months of the 12 months due to the momentum seen in January carrying over into the next month.
This improvement is attributed to the height journey season of the Lunar New 12 months.
Likewise, the Cathay Group set a brand new single-day passenger file on 14th February which noticed a complete of 128,000 passengers.
In whole, Cathay Pacific and HK Specific carried over 3.2 million passengers final month, surpassing the February 2025 whole by 24 p.c.
A risky interval
Nevertheless, Cathay chief buyer and business officer Lavinia Lau identified that efficiency this month is in for a difficult time, owing to the risky state of world occasions.
Lau stated: “Turning to March, the worldwide geopolitical atmosphere is risky and that is inflicting sudden shifts in passenger and cargo visitors flows in addition to a major improve within the value of jet gas. In view of the present scenario within the Center East, we have now briefly suspended Cathay Pacific’s passenger flights in addition to Cathay Cargo’s freighter providers to Dubai and Riyadh as much as and together with thirtieth April.”
Lau added that, as clients prioritise various journey routes resulting from airspace closures within the Center East, the Group has added further flights to London and offered further capability to Zurich in March to cater for a surge in demand for Europe.
The Cathay Group continues to observe the scenario as of press time.
Cathay Pacific in February 2026
Cathay Pacific carried 24 p.c extra passengers in February 2026 in contrast with February 2025, whereas Accessible Seat Kilometres (ASKs) elevated by 16 p.c.
Within the first two months of 2026, the variety of passengers carried elevated by 17 p.c in contrast with the identical interval for 2025.
In accordance with Lau: “In the course of the Lunar New 12 months holidays, we noticed notably robust outbound journey demand from Hong Kong and the remainder of the Better Bay Space, with short-haul locations being the preferred. In the meantime, inbound visitors to Hong Kong additionally recorded wholesome progress, supported by demand from long-haul markets and the Chinese language Mainland. Enterprise journey rebounded rapidly in the direction of the top of the month, leading to strong load components in our premium cabins.”
As of right this moment, 18th March, bookings for Cathay Pacific stay strong for the remainder of March, pushed by leisure journey throughout Asia.
Lau added: “We additionally stay up for launching our new five-times-weekly Seattle service on thirtieth March, additional strengthening the connectivity of the Hong Kong worldwide aviation hub.”
Cathay Cargo carried extra all through the month
Cathay Cargo carried seven p.c extra cargo in February 2026 than in February 2025, whereas Accessible Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) elevated by 4 p.c.
Within the first two months of 2026, the overall tonnage elevated by six p.c in contrast with the identical interval for 2025.
Moreover, cargo tonnage in February declined in opposition to the earlier month as a result of Lunar New 12 months holidays.
As Lau defined it: “We noticed a pre-holiday rush throughout our house market and the broader Better Bay Space, adopted by softer demand later within the month. In the meantime, demand for our Cathay Safe answer remained resilient, notably from Europe and the Americas to Asia, whereas our Cathay Stay Animal answer noticed notable progress, supported by elevated stay lobster shipments from Oceania to Hong Kong. Turning to March, general air cargo demand is predicted to enhance as we ramp up our scheduled freighter frequencies in preparation for the quarter finish.”
HK Specific’ numbers had been up 25 p.c
In the meantime, HK Specific carried over 730,000 passengers in February 2026, a rise of 25 p.c 12 months on 12 months, whereas Accessible Seat Kilometers’ (ASKs) grew by 14 p.c.
Within the first two months of 2026, the variety of passengers carried elevated by 16% in contrast with the identical interval for 2025.
Passenger numbers had been buoyed by the Lunar New 12 months visitors, as HK Specific achieved a load issue of 86 p.c in February, with South Korea routes being the preferred.
Lau stated: “We additionally noticed a major improve in demand to Malaysia and the Chinese language Mainland, which outpaced capability progress. Trying forward, bookings stay wholesome in March, with demand outpacing capability improve in contrast with final 12 months.”
