Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Urumqi Route Takes Flight: Your Journey to Northwestern China Begins!

The wait is over! On April 28, 2025, Cathay Pacific officially launched its highly anticipated direct flight route between Hong Kong and Urumqi, the vibrant capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This new route, which kicked off yesterday, is already making waves as a game-changer for travelers eager to explore Northwestern China or connect to global destinations. Here’s a quick look at why this route is your ticket to adventure and what it means for your travel plans.

A Seamless Start to a New Route

Yesterday marked the inaugural flight of CX998, which soared from Hong Kong to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, followed by the return flight CX997. Operating four times weekly on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, these flights are serviced by the modern Airbus A330-300, offering both Business and Economy class cabins for a comfortable journey. With a flight time of about 5 hours and 30 minutes, travelers can now zip between Hong Kong and Urumqi with ease.

The schedule is designed for convenience:

• Hong Kong to Urumqi (CX996): Departs 1:30 AM, arrives 7:00 AM.
• Urumqi to Hong Kong (CX997): Departs 10:15 AM, arrives 3:20 PM.

Why Urumqi? Why Now?

Urumqi, Cathay Pacific’s 20th passenger destination in mainland China, is a cultural and economic gem. As a key hub along the Belt and Road Initiative, it’s the largest city in Central Asia by population and a gateway to Xinjiang’s stunning landscapes, bustling markets, and rich heritage. Whether you’re a business traveler tapping into Urumqi’s commercial opportunities or a tourist exploring the Silk Road, this route opens up endless possibilities.

Through Hong Kong, passengers can connect to Cathay Pacific’s global network, reaching Asia, Europe, North America, the South West Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. Plus, Urumqi residents can now visit Hong Kong more easily under the Individual Visit Scheme, making this route a win for both sides.

A Milestone for Cathay Pacific

This launch is part of Cathay Pacific’s bold expansion, with nearly 300 weekly return flights between Hong Kong and mainland China planned for summer 2025. The airline’s commitment to connecting people and places shone through yesterday as the first passengers experienced the new route’s seamless service and world-class hospitality.

As Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific’s Chief Customer and Commercial Officer, said: “Urumqi is a crucial addition to our network, and we’re thrilled to see this route take flight, offering more travel options for our customers.”