Another major boost for air services as Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong flights comes back

An international route direct from Adelaide will return for the first time since 2020, joining a growing list of overseas services now taking off.

Cathay Pacific will once again fly direct to Adelaide, marking the re-establishment of all international routes flying into Adelaide before the Covid-19 outbreak.

The airline will connect South Australia with key tourism and trade markets in Asia and beyond in a decision worth an estimated $32m annually to the visitor and trade economy.

There will be three direct flights a week from Hong Kong to Adelaide on an A350-900 aircraft from November 11.

Premium Economy will be available on this route for the first time.

Tourism expenditure of the Cathay service is estimated to generate $17m year for the state’s economy, and freight exports of $15m a year.

A Cathay Pacific Airbus A350 aircraft. Picture Charly Triballeau / AFP)

Cathay Pacific ceased Adelaide services in March 2020 soon after the declaration of the pandemic.

The news follows last month’s announcement of United Airlines commencing direct flights between Adelaide and San Francisco from December 2025 in the first direct route between SA and the US.

Qantas plans Adelaide-Auckland flights from October.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the move confirmed SA as a place to invest.

“The suite of international airlines set to fly directly into Adelaide is no coincidence, it is the result of constant hard work as well as developing a destination worth investing in,” he said.

More international services for Adelaide Airport announced, including Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong flights.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said SA was “flying high.”

“Cathay Pacific’s direct flights into Adelaide will make South Australia even more attractive for our key Asian international market, while promoting the simple pleasures of our pristine nature, renowned food and beverage and non-stop events calendar to its loyal flyers,” she said.

Trade Minister Joe Szakacs noted SA produce such as seafood and wine are in high demand from Hong Kong consumers.

Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager South West Pacific, Frosti Lau, said the airline launched its first flight to Adelaide more than 30 years ago.

“This was closely followed by our first group of cadet pilots entering Flight Training Adelaide,” he said.

“This new flight will give those in South Australia’s capital the opportunity to explore Hong Kong and beyond, whether for leisure, business or a taste of home.

“We will be complementing this with our world-leading cargo capabilities which will spearhead delivery of local produce and products into Asia, Europe and the Middle East.”

Airlines which have resumed, commenced, or will be commencing international flights out of Adelaide post-Covid:

• United Airlines San Francisco – Adelaide

• Qatar Airways Doha – Adelaide

• Singapore Airlines Singapore – Adelaide

• Malaysia Airlines Kuala Lumpur – Adelaide

• Air New Zealand Auckland – Adelaide

• Fiji Airways Nadi – Adelaide

• Jetstar Denpasar – Adelaide

• Indonesia AirAsia Denpasar – Adelaide

• China Southern Airlines Guangzhou – Adelaide

• Emirates Dubai – Adelaide

• Qantas Auckland – Adelaide

• Cathay Pacific Hong Kong – Adelaide

Originally published as Another major boost for air services as Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong flights comes back