Cathay Pacific announced on Thursday it would launch a new direct passenger service to Almaty, Kazakhstan, with the first flight scheduled for January 9, 2027.

The service will be the airline's first destination in Central Asia and the only direct passenger route linking Hong Kong with Kazakhstan.

Flights will operate three times a week.

Cathay Pacific said the new route reaffirms its commitment to growing Hong Kong's connectivity with Belt and Road countries.

"As Kazakhstan's commercial and cultural capital, Almaty serves as an important gateway to Central Asia, offering opportunities to expand trade, business and tourism," the airline said in a statement.

Cathay Pacific said the addition of Almaty to its network further reinforces its commitment to strengthening Hong Kong's position as a leading international aviation hub.

The airline announced plans to launch direct flights to Almaty in the first quarter of 2027 during Chief Executive John Lee's visit to Central Asia earlier this year.



Edited by Tony Sabine