Cathay Pacific to launch flights connecting Hong Kong with Riyadh

Cathay Pacific plans to launch new direct flights connecting Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia’s capital city Riyadh in October, as the carrier seeks to advance connectivity, trade and cultural exchange between its hub and countries on China’s Belt and Road initiative.

The launch of Riyadh flights follows similar moves from airlines from the mainland including China Southern Airlines.

“Following Cathay Pacific’s initiative to commence services to Riyadh, we will be able to expand Hong Kong’s aviation network and enhance air connectivity between us and the Middle East, which further consolidates Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub,” said Lam Sai-hung, Hong Kong’s secretary for transport and logistics.

The new service is expected to offer more travel options and greater convenience for travellers between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong while promoting business, trade and tourism opportunities.

Cathay Pacific will operate three return flights per week between Hong Kong and Riyadh using an Airbus A350 aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

The airline said in addition to its new passenger service its cargo division, Cathay Cargo, operates weekly freighter flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh.

“With direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh, air connectivity to Saudi Arabia will further strengthen from our key source markets to grow inbound tourism,” said Majid Khan, the CEO of the Saudi Air Connectivity Program.

The new route comes at a time when relations between the two sides have witnessed positive developments and concrete achievements, with a noticeable increase in the frequency of mutual visits on all levels.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan said in May that Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia are exploring the creation of an exchange-traded fund (ETF) tracking Hong Kong indices. Last year, a new ETF tracking Saudi equities was listed in Hong Kong, becoming the first product of its kind in Asia.

Read: China Southern launches new flights connecting Beijing with Riyadh