Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific cuts flights until February to ease Lunar New Year holiday strain

As of 9pm, at least 10 departing and nine arriving flights cancelled, with affected destinations including Taipei, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai

Transport bureau expresses grave concerns over Cathay’s decision to combine some flights and orders it to promptly inform affected passengers of any changes

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Cathay Pacific planes at Hong Kong International Airport. Some pilots have told the Post that flight cancellations may persist due to the shortage of experienced cockpit crew. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 11:46am, 7 Jan 2024Updated: 10:32pm, 7 Jan 2024

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways plans to cut 12 flights per day on average until February to ensure normal operations during the Lunar New Year travel rush, prompting the transport bureau to express grave concerns over the move.

The company on Sunday said it planned to merge some daily flights going to the same destination and promised to help affected passengers find convenient alternative flying times or give them a refund. But some residents with Cathay tickets said they were now worried their costly holiday plans would be thrown into disarray.

As of 9pm, at least 10 departing and nine arriving flights had been cancelled, with the affected destinations including Taipei, Kaohsiung, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai.

Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por sought to reassure customers, with the company saying it had reviewed flight schedules and increased pilot standby levels.

“We have taken measures to ensure Cathay Pacific’s flights will operate normally for the coming Chinese New Year travel peak,” Lam said. “Hong Kong people travelling out and visitors coming to Hong Kong can be reassured that their travel will go ahead as planned.”

Cathay Pacific says many cockpit crew have reached their limit of 900 flying hours per year. Photo: Dickson Lee

A Transport and Logistics Bureau spokesman told the Post it had grave concerns over Cathay’s decision to combine some flights and ordered the company to promptly inform affected passengers of changes to flight arrangements.