HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) restarts direct flights between Hong Kong (HKG) and Riyadh (RUH) on Monday (October 28, 2024), marking the only nonstop service connecting the two financial hubs.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po inaugurated the route, leading a 100-member delegation of financial, technology, and innovation sector representatives to Saudi Arabia.
Cathay Pacific Restarts Riyadh
The Hong Kong-based airline deploys its Airbus A350-900 aircraft on this route, offering business, premium economy, and economy class services three times weekly – every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
This relaunch comes after a seven-year hiatus, following the route’s cancellation in March 2017 due to insufficient demand.
According to FlightRadar24 data, Cathay flight CX647 took off from Hong Kong at 5:15 PM local time (delayed by 50 minutes) and is airborne at the time of writing this post.
The flight operated by Airbus A350-900 registered as B-LRC will land at Riyadh Airport at 9:54 PM local time (Delayed by 20 minutes).
The service revival strengthens Hong Kong’s strategic position within China’s Belt and Road Initiative, facilitating increased trade and cultural exchanges between Asia and the Middle East. The delegation will participate in the 8th Future Investment Initiative during their visit, furthering economic cooperation between the regions.
Direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh have cut travel costs in half, according to Sunflower Travel Services Assistant General Manager Moon Yau Moon-yee. Saudi Arabia travel packages have dropped from HK$40,000 to under HK$20,000 for a seven-day highlights tour.
Industry experts report slow initial demand, citing safety concerns among potential travelers. However, the route offers new opportunities for sports tourism, particularly with football star Cristiano Ronaldo’s presence in Riyadh. Ronaldo plays for Al Nassr football club and operates the “CR7 Signature Museum” in the Saudi capital.
Sources revealed to the Post that Ronaldo plans to establish a similar museum in Hong Kong, with a scheduled visit next year for its opening.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan’s Speech
Financial Secretary Paul Chan highlighted strengthening ties between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia during Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Riyadh route launch ceremony on October 28.
The Financial Secretary emphasized the route’s strategic alignment with China’s Belt and Road Initiative, noting Cathay Pacific now serves 27 Belt and Road destinations.
The service supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, facilitating economic diversification through enhanced tourism, investment, and innovation channels between the regions.
Hong Kong International Airport’s expansion plans complement this new route. The airport’s Three-Runway System will commence operations before year-end, targeting an annual capacity of 120 million passengers and 10 million tonnes of cargo by 2035.
Cathay Pacific’s fleet investments parallel this infrastructure growth, supporting Hong Kong’s strategic development goals.
The direct air link creates new opportunities for bilateral investment, trade, and technological collaboration. Chan stressed how this connection accelerates Hong Kong’s expanding role in the Greater Bay Area while enabling an efficient two-way flow of goods, services, and people between the regions.
The route reinforces Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub while strengthening its ties with Middle Eastern markets.
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