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Cathay Group carriers record double-digit passenger growth in the first half of 2026
August 20th 2026
Cathay Group carriers recorded solid demand in June 2026, according to the latest traffic figures released by the group. Read More » “The Cathay Group continued our growth momentum in June, although jet fuel prices remained elevated. Cathay Pacific and HK Express carried a combined total of more than 3.1 million passengers, while Cathay Cargo carried around 145,000 tonnes of cargo, both representing an increase of 9% year on year,” Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said.
Cathay Pacific carried 2.6 million passengers in June, up 12% compared to the same month last year. Demand (RPK) increased 8.2%, and capacity (ASK) increased 6%. Passenger load factor improved 1.8 ppt to 87.4%. During the first six months of the year, the oneworld carrier flew 65.3 million passengers, 17.5% more than during the same period in 2025. Interim passenger traffic increased 15.3%, capacity 11.8%, leading to a 2.7 ppt increase in passenger load factor to 87.5%. “The start of June has historically been a softer period for passenger travel demand, but this year load factors remained elevated, amplified by increased traffic through Hong Kong due to the Middle East situation. This was further supported by the mid-month Dragon Boat Festival long weekend, which drove healthy outbound demand from Hong Kong to various short-haul destinations, followed by inbound student traffic from long-haul markets in the latter half of the month. Demand in our premium cabins also remained robust, driven by strong corporate and premium leisure travel,” Lavinia said. “The outlook for the summer peak remains encouraging, particularly across our long-haul network. Meanwhile, demand from Hong Kong to short-haul destinations continues to be robust, with the Chinese Mainland and other destinations in Northeast Asia being particularly popular,” she added.
HK Express carried more than 560,000 passengers in June 2026, a decrease of 4% year-on-year, while capacity decreased by 7%. In the first six months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 10% compared with the same period in 2025.
Cathay Cargo carried 9% more cargo in June 2026 than in June 2025, while Available Freight Ton Kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 1%. In the first six months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 9% compared with the same period for 2025. “Cargo tonnage recorded a solid year-on-year increase in June. During the month, we saw strong cargo flows from the Chinese Mainland into Southeast Asia, alongside steady demand within the region. Shipments into the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong remained resilient, while our specialist solutions continued to perform well, with semiconductor and pharmaceutical shipments supporting growth in Cathay Expert and Cathay Pharma respectively. Cathay Priority also saw strong demand into Hong Kong, Southeast Asia and the Americas, reflecting shippers’ need for time-definite solutions to replenish inventory,” Lavinia said. “Looking ahead, we anticipate continued healthy cargo flows across our network. At the same time, we will monitor the potential impact on e-commerce flows following the introduction of new customs duties on low-value imports into Europe,” she added.
The Group said it is expected to record a consolidated profit of approximately HK$6 billion (US$760 million) to HK$6.5 billion for the six-month period ended 30 June 2026. This includes a gain on deemed partial disposal of associates of approximately HK$1.4 billion arising from the dilution of the Group’s equity interest in Air China. It noted its interim results were positively impacted by continued solid demand for Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo, improved performance from HK Express, and stronger contributions from associates.
