HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) launched its direct flight service between Hong Kong (HKG) and Rome (FCO) today (June 5, 2025), marking the airline’s return to Italy’s capital.
The new summer seasonal route represents the fourth destination addition to Cathay Pacific’s expanding global network in 2025.
Cathay Pacific Network Expansion
The Hong Kong-based carrier has systematically expanded its operations throughout 2025, launching passenger services to Hyderabad (HYD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Urumqi (URC) before today’s Rome inauguration.
Sister airline HK Express (UO) has simultaneously introduced routes to 6 destinations, including Sendai, Nha Trang, Ishigaki, Komatsu, Changzhou, and Yiwu during the same period.
Executive Remarks
Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau highlighted the destination’s importance to the airline’s heritage.
The carrier first established Rome operations in 1986, making today’s launch a significant milestone in reconnecting Hong Kong with the Italian capital.
Lau confirmed additional European expansion plans, announcing upcoming launches in Munich and Brussels during the summer season.
Flight Details
The new Rome service operates three weekly frequencies on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from June 5 through October 25, 2025.
Cathay Pacific (CX) deploys its fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the route, configured with 38 Business class flat-bed seats, 28 Premium Economy seats, and 214 Economy class seats.
- Flight CX293 departs Hong Kong at 00:30, arriving in Rome (FCO) at 07:35 local time.
- The return service, CX292, leaves Rome at 13:00, reaching Hong Kong (HKG) at 06:30 the following day.
European Network
Rome becomes Cathay Pacific’s second Italian destination, complementing existing daily Milan operations.
The airline maintains comprehensive European coverage with services to Amsterdam (AMS), Barcelona (BCN), Frankfurt (FRA), London Heathrow (LHR), Madrid (MAD), Manchester (MAN), Paris (CDG), and Zurich (ZRH).
The expanded network will provide nearly 100 weekly return flights across 12 European destinations.
European passengers gain access to the Cathay Group’s extensive Asia-Pacific network through Hong Kong’s hub.
The combined Cathay Pacific (CX) and HK Express (UO) operations serve 22 destinations across Mainland China, positioning Hong Kong as a strategic gateway for transcontinental travel.
Ambitious Growth
The Cathay Group plans to launch passenger services to 16 global destinations throughout 2025, with additional announcements scheduled.
The combined passenger network will reach 100 destinations worldwide within the first half of 2025, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to rebuilding its pre-pandemic route structure and expanding market presence.
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