Cathay Pacific returns to SA

In a major milestone for our tourism industry, Cathay Pacific will once again fly direct to Adelaide – completing the re-establishment of all international routes flying into Adelaide before the COVID-19 outbreak.

From Tuesday 11 November 2025, Cathay Pacific will re-commence direct flights from Hong Kong to Adelaide three times per week on a A350-900 aircraft – which boasts 280 seats, adding 30,000 seats in and out of Adelaide each year. 

The flights will operate on a seasonal basis until 27 March 2026, flying into Adelaide on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

The tourism expenditure of the reinstated Cathay Pacific service is estimated to generate $17 million per year for the State’s economy, with the value of freight exports estimated to be $15 million per year - bringing the total estimated expenditure generated to $32 million annually.

Asia is a key international market for South Australia, injected $783 million into the State’s visitor economy in the year to December 2024, and this will be further supported by another direct connection to our State. Cathay Pacific’s extensive network will also provide pivotal connections to other important markets such Europe and North America.

I joined Premier Peter Malinauskas, Minister for Tourism Zoe Bettison, Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox and Cathay Pacific Regional General Manager Southwest Pacific, Frosti Lau at Adelaide Airport today to celebrate the announcement.

This follows a suite of international airlines investing in direct flights to Adelaide, including recent announcements from United Airlines and Qantas.

Emma Terry

Chief Executive Officer
South Australian Tourism Commission

Read full Industry Update - 22 May 2025