DUBAI: Cathay Pacific has officially inaugurated its non-stop passenger service between Hong Kong and Riyadh, marking an exciting new chapter for travellers from Hong Kong and Asia-Pacific eager to explore the Saudi capital.
The first flight took off on Monday, October 28, establishing a direct connection that enhances convenience and connectivity between the two dynamic cities.
This new route is set to unlock unparalleled opportunities for both tourism and business by bridging Hong Kong with one of the Middle East's most influential economic and cultural centres.
Flight schedule
Cathay Pacific’s thrice-weekly passenger service between Hong Kong and Riyadh is operated by its modern Airbus A350-900 aircraft, featuring Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The flight schedule for the service is as follows (all times local):
| Flight No. | Origin | Destination | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
| CX647 | Hong Kong (HKG) | Riyadh (RUH) | 16:25 | 21:35 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
| CX648 | Riyadh (RUH) | Hong Kong (HKG) | 23:35 | 12:30+1 | Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
New Milestone
To celebrate this major milestone, Cathay Pacific hosted a launch ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport. The event was led by Cathay Group Chair Patrick Healy and Chief Customer and Commercial Officer Lavinia Lau and featured prominent attendees, including Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR (HKSAR) Government Paul Chan Mo-po. Chan led a delegation of over 100 leaders in finance, business, and information technology to Riyadh, emphasising the economic and cultural significance of this new route.
Distinguished guests included Hamad Aljebreen, Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong, along with Hong Kong leaders such as Jeffrey Lam, Non-Official Member of the Executive Council; Vivian Cheung, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Airport Authority Hong Kong; Laurence Li, Chairman of the Financial Services Development Council; and Nicholas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road.
Speaking at the ceremony, Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po highlighted the route’s significance: “The relaunched Cathay service symbolises the growing ties between Hong Kong and Riyadh. I am confident it will accelerate business, cultural and people-to-people ties between our two cities and our two economies. As Hong Kong continues to expand its role in the Belt and Road Initiative, this connection will surely fast track the future success of both regions. It also aligns aptly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
Cathay Pacific Chair Patrick Healy echoed the sentiment: “The inauguration of our Hong Kong-Riyadh route is another testament to Cathay’s commitment to strengthening Hong Kong’s global connectivity as an international aviation hub, and our continued support for the Central Government’s Belt and Road Initiative. The new service further expands our footprint in the Middle East — an important region in the world — while promoting opportunities for business, trade and tourism along the Belt and Road. With the commissioning of the Three-Runway System just weeks away, Hong Kong’s aviation industry is entering an exciting new era, and we look forward to playing our part as our home hub continues to go from strength to strength.”
This service bolsters Cathay Pacific’s network in the region, reinforcing links between Hong Kong and countries along the Belt and Road Initiative. The route launch is also expected to deepen trade, business, and cultural relationships, especially between Hong Kong and the rapidly modernising Saudi economy, a key participant in the initiative.