Cathay Pacific returns to Adelaide, Christchurch

Cathay Pacific is winging its way back to Adelaide and Christchurch with the return of its popular summer seasonal services.

The Adelaide-Hong Kong route kicks off from 10 November 2026 and runs through to 27 March 2027, with three flights per week in November 2026 and March 2027 – and five flights per week from December through to February.

Christchurch-Hong Kong bounces back with three flights each week from 1 November 2026 to 27 March 2027, likewise boosted to five per week from December through to February.

Those extra flights recognise the increased demand for the school holidays.

“Every additional service creates more opportunities for our customers to connect seamlessly through Hong Kong to destinations across Asia, Europe and beyond,” notes Aldric Chau, Cathay Pacific’s Regional General Manager for Southeast Asia & Oceania.

Cathay's modern Airbus A350 offers a comfortable experience in every cabin.

Travellers can look forward to flying on Cathay’s modern Airbus A350 jet, with fully lie-flat beds in business class plus spacious comfortable recliners in premium economy.

• Adelaide–Hong Kong flights (CX174) will depart at 12 noon, arriving at Hong Kong at 6:15pm
• Hong Kong–Adelaide flights (CX173) will depart at 11:30pm, reaching Adelaide at 10:30am the following day

This represents a nearly 50% increase in seat capacity compared to Cathay’s 2025-2026 Adelaide season, making it easier for South Australians to get to Hong Kong and beyond.

• Christchurch-Hong Kong flights (CX126) will depart at 2:20pm, arriving at Hong Kong at 8:50pm
• Hong Kong–Christchurch flights (CX119) will depart at 8:20pm, arriving at Hong Kong at 12:50pm the following day

Cathay offers free Wi-Fi in business and premium class, as well as all passengers holding Cathay Diamond or Cathay Gold status (but not their Qantas equivalents).

Cathay Pacific's A350 premium economy.

And if you like your coffee, we definitely recommend trying special Cathay Blend now offered in premium economy and economy (and on request in business class).

This was co-developed by Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong speciality roaster The Coffee Academics to be enjoyed at altitude, where profiles change as the senses of taste and smell are dulled.

This bespoke Cathay Blend relies on beans from Vietnam and Brazil, countries known for the depth and complexity of their coffee.

The Cathay Blend delivers a bold yet balanced cuppa above the clouds.

The beans are French-roasted to deliver a rich, aromatic cup with notes of dark cocoa, roasted almond and a hint of floral honey ahead of a lingering earthy finish.

And despite being a dark roast, the Cathay Blend retains a bold, caramelised flavour profile without bitterness or acidity.

To ensure quality and consistency, each portion is packed in a biodegradable filter that allows the water to gently and evenly infuse through the grounds, ensuring consistent extraction and clarity to produce a clean, full-bodied cup every time.

Also read: The 48-hour Hong Kong stopover guide and How to experience Hong Kong like a local.