Cathay Pacific says the government has relaxed quarantine rules for its air crews and they are no longer required to remain in closed-loop bubbles while overseas.

Previously, crew members had to stay in their hotel rooms while in other countries, but that has now been dropped, Cathay said on Tuesday.

The airline said while staff are allowed to go out and have a meal during their stays overseas, they are still asked to avoid crowded places like bars, as well as mask-off activities in public.

Cathay added that returning crew members can use a "test-and-go" arrangement at Hong Kong airport if they haven't spent time in other countries in the past week.

If they have spent time abroad, they must wait for a negative test result before they can pass through immigration.

The airline said crew members have to take further PCR tests on each of the four days after their return to Hong Kong.

It said the new arrangements will allow it to operate more flights and these will be added as soon as possible.