Cathay Pacific will restart direct flights between Hong Kong and Seattle in April 2026. This move marks the airline's return to a key North American route, which was suspended at the start of the global pandemic. The service aims to boost connectivity between Asia and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
Key Takeaways
- Cathay Pacific will resume Hong Kong-Seattle flights in April 2026.
- The service will operate five times weekly using an Airbus A350-900.
- This route was previously active from March 2019 to March 2020.
- Seattle will become Cathay Pacific's ninth North American destination.
- The new flights will offer 2,500 two-way weekly seats.
Return to a Key Trans-Pacific Route
Cathay Pacific's decision to reintroduce the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) route comes after a four-year hiatus. The airline had operated this service from March 2019 until March 2020, when global travel restrictions led to its temporary suspension.
The resumed flights will begin in April 2026. The airline plans to operate the route five times per week. This schedule aims to provide consistent access for both business and leisure travelers.
Flight Details
- Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
- Seating Capacity: 250 passengers
- Business Class: 38 seats
- Premium Economy: 28 seats
- Weekly Frequency: 5 flights
The Airbus A350-900 aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Its configuration includes distinct cabins for business class, premium economy, and economy travelers, offering a range of options.
Increased Seat Capacity and Market Growth
Upon its return, Cathay Pacific will offer 2,500 two-way weekly seats on the Hong Kong-Seattle route. This represents a significant increase compared to its last period of operation.
According to OAG Schedules Analyzer data, when Cathay Pacific last flew this route in the week of March 22, 2020, it offered 1,680 two-way weekly seats. The upcoming service will provide nearly 50% more capacity.
Historical Capacity
At its peak capacity on the HKG-SEA route in October 2019, Cathay Pacific offered 3,920 two-way weekly seats. While the initial relaunch capacity is lower than this peak, it signifies a strong commitment to the market's recovery and future growth.
No other airline currently operates direct flights between Hong Kong and Seattle. Delta Air Lines previously served this route but ended its service in October 2018. This makes Cathay Pacific the sole direct carrier on this important trans-Pacific corridor.
Expanding North American Network
Seattle will become Cathay Pacific's ninth destination in North America. This expansion highlights the airline's strategy to strengthen its presence across the continent. The most recent addition to its North American network was Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
Cathay Pacific began serving Dallas-Fort Worth from Hong Kong in April 2025. This route, operated by an A350-1000 aircraft, is also seeing an increase in service. It will ramp up from four flights weekly to daily flights starting October 26.
Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific Chief Commercial Officer, stated, "This route ... also supports the growing demand for connectivity between Asia and North America, particularly among travelers from the Chinese mainland and India."
Both Cathay Pacific and Seattle airport officials emphasize the strategic importance of the Hong Kong-Seattle connection. Passengers will have improved access to connecting flights via HKG to various points in Mainland China, Southeast Asia, and India. This connectivity is crucial for both business and tourism.
Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties
The Hong Kong-Seattle route is expected to strengthen business and cultural ties. Seattle is a prominent technology hub in the United States, attracting significant international investment and talent. Direct air links are vital for fostering these connections.
Beyond Dallas, Cathay Pacific currently serves several other major North American cities. These include Boston, Chicago O’Hare, Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, Toronto Pearson, and Vancouver. The airline operates a total of 110 weekly flights between Hong Kong and North America.
Cathay Pacific's North American Destinations:
- Boston
- Chicago O’Hare
- Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW)
- Los Angeles
- New York JFK
- San Francisco
- Seattle (from April 2026)
- Toronto Pearson
- Vancouver
The relaunch reflects a broader trend of airlines restoring and expanding international routes as global travel demand continues to recover. The strategic timing in 2026 allows for careful planning and market assessment.
The A350-900 chosen for the route is a modern wide-body aircraft. It provides a comfortable long-haul experience for passengers, featuring advanced cabin air systems and quieter engines. This choice underscores Cathay Pacific's focus on passenger experience.
The airline's commitment to increasing capacity and expanding its network in North America signals confidence in the long-term growth of trans-Pacific travel. The Hong Kong hub offers a gateway to a vast network across Asia, making Seattle a more accessible entry point for travelers heading east.
