Cathay Pacific to Launch Direct Flights to Almaty Starting January
Thestandard · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago1 MIN

Summary
Cathay Pacific announced it will launch direct flights to Almaty, Kazakhstan, starting January 9 next year, establishing its first route into Central Asia. The new service will operate three return flights weekly, strengthening Hong Kong's aviation connections with the Belt and Road Initiative corridor.
Key Points
- Cathay Pacific's inaugural Almaty route launches January 9, marking its first Central Asian destination
- Weekly service offers three return flights departing Hong Kong on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Almaty serves as Kazakhstan's primary commercial and cultural hub, providing gateway access to Central Asia
- Ticket bookings for the new route are already open to the public
- The airline stated the route will consolidate Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub
Why It Matters
The Almaty route positions Hong Kong as a strategic gateway between China and Central Asian markets, potentially attracting business travellers and tourists while supporting the city's ambition to remain a leading regional aviation centre amid intensifying competition from neighbouring hubs .
The Almaty route positions Hong Kong as a strategic gateway between China and Central Asian markets, potentially attracting business travellers and tourists while supporting the city's ambition to remain a leading regional aviation centre amid intensifying competition from neighbouring hubs .