News
Cathay Group records new all-time record of passengers carried in August
September 18th 2026
“Driven by robust travel demand during the second half of the summer peak and healthy cargo demand across key markets, August marked another positive month for our travel and cargo businesses, despite elevated jet fuel prices. Read More » Our passenger airlines Cathay Pacific and HK Express together achieved a new all-time record by carrying more than 3.6 million passengers during the month, up 4% year on year,” Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau said, commenting on newly released traffic figures for August 2026.
Cathay Pacific carried 2,827,486 passengers, up 5% from August 2025. Capacity (ASK) increased by 3%, and demand (RPK) by 4.0%. Passenger load factor increased by 0.5 ppt to 87.2% for the month. In the first eight months of 2026, the number of passengers carried increased by 15% compared with the same period for 2025.
HK Express carried more than 790,000 passengers in August 2026, down 1% year on year. Capacity increased by 3%, while demand increased 1.5%. Passenger load factor declined 1.5ppt to 83.9%.
Cathay Cargo carried 9% more cargo in August 2026 than in August 2025, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometers (AFTKs) increased by 1%. In the first eight months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with the same period for 2025.
Commenting on passenger operations, Lau said: “Looking ahead, while September is typically a quieter month for travel, demand is expected to pick up closer to the National Day ‘Golden Week’ holiday period.”
