HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) today (June 6) announces the launch of direct passenger flights to Riyadh (RUH), the capital and financial center of Saudi Arabia, starting on 28 October 2024.
This new service will enhance connectivity, trade, and cultural exchange between Hong Kong and countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.
Cathay Pacific Riyadh Flight
To commemorate the announcement, Cathay Pacific held a signing ceremony in Hong Kong. The event was attended by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung, the Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR, Hamad Aljebreen, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Chief Executive Officer Majid Khan.
The agreement was signed by Cathay Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau and Saudi Air Connectivity Program Aviation Development Vice President Rashed Alshammari, in the presence of distinguished guests from Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia.
Executive Remarks
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung stated: “The signing of this cooperation agreement marks a significant milestone in the nearly two-decade-long aviation partnership between Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia. I want to extend my gratitude to Cathay Pacific for their unwavering support of government policies and for considering Hong Kong’s strategic development needs in their network planning.”
The Hong Kong SAR Government is dedicated to enhancing aviation services on major routes and those along the Belt and Road with potential. With Cathay Pacific’s new services to Riyadh, we will expand Hong Kong’s aviation network and strengthen air connectivity with the Middle East, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.”
Secretary for Transport and Logistics Lam Sai-hung
Consul General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong SAR Hamad Aljebreen commented: “The inauguration of this route is pivotal for improving relations and building bridges of communication and cooperation. It will strengthen economic, tourism, and cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Hong Kong SAR. As relations between the two sides flourish, this new route will open broader horizons for cooperation, increase partnerships, and attract more investments and visitors, aligning with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Belt and Road Initiative.”
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of flights connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh this October. This new service will enhance our Middle East network and offer more travel options and convenience for our customers traveling to and from Saudi Arabia. It will also promote business, trade, and tourism opportunities.”
With deep roots in Hong Kong, our role is to connect Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland with the world. Cathay supports the Central Government’s Belt and Road Initiative, already serving 21 destinations in 14 participating countries. We will continue to develop services along existing major routes and new routes connecting Hong Kong with Belt and Road countries, especially as the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport becomes fully operational.”
Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam
Saudi Air Connectivity Program Chief Executive Officer Majid Khan added: “Direct flights between Hong Kong and Riyadh with Cathay Pacific will strengthen air connectivity to Saudi Arabia from key source markets, boosting inbound tourism. Travelers from Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific’s network, including China, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, and other APAC countries, will explore Saudi Arabia’s vast tourism potential. We welcome Cathay Pacific to Saudi Arabia and look forward to developing this potential together in the coming years.”
Flight Schedule
Cathay Pacific will conduct three round-trip flights weekly connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh, utilizing its contemporary Airbus A350-900 aircraft, which includes Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins.
According to FlightAware data, Cathay Pacific last operated the HKG-RUH flight 7 years ago in March 2017 using Airbus A330.
Subsequently, the flight schedule for this new non-stop route is outlined below (all times local, pending regulatory approval):
| Flight no. | Origin | Destination | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
| CX647 | Hong Kong (HKG) | Riyadh (RUH) | 15:05 | 20:15 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
| CX648 | Riyadh (RUH) | Hong Kong (HKG) | 22:15 | 11:10+1 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
Apart from Cathay Pacific’s recently introduced passenger service, Cathay Cargo presently conducts weekly freighter flights connecting Hong Kong and Riyadh.
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