HONG KONG- Cathay Pacific (CX) has resumed its seasonal link between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Adelaide (ADL), restoring a direct connection that supports both leisure and business travel. The airline’s first return flight departed HKG late on 11 November and touched down in the South Australian capital the next morning.

The relaunched route strengthens access between the two cities, giving travellers a consistent option during the peak season while supporting tourism and trade.

Cathay Pacific Returns to Adelaide

Cathay Pacific’s return to Adelaide adds meaningful capacity for travellers moving between South Australia and Asia. The airline paused services during the pandemic, and the reinstated schedule marks the continuation of a relationship first established in 1992.

The seasonal operation helps meet demand from holidaymakers, students, and business travellers, while offering a direct pathway to Hong Kong’s global network.

The service is operated by the Airbus A350-900, offering fully flat beds in Business, spacious seating in Premium Economy, and updated comfort features in Economy. Passengers have access to the airline’s in-flight entertainment platform and menus developed with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants on departures from the city.

Wi-Fi is available across the fleet. The service is complimentary for Business class travellers and Cathay Diamond members, extending to Cathay Gold members from 15 November and Premium Economy passengers by the end of the year.

Flight Schedule for the Winter Season

The seasonal flights run from 11 November 2025 to 27 March 2026, with three weekly services in each direction.

Hong Kong to Adelaide (CX173)
Depart HKG 23:30
Arrive ADL 10:30+1
Operates Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Adelaide to Hong Kong (CX174)
Depart ADL 12:00
Arrive HKG 17:45
Operates on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday

Expanded Oceania network

With Adelaide’s return, Cathay Pacific now serves six cities in Australia: Adelaide, Brisbane, Cairns, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney.

The airline also connects Hong Kong with Auckland and Christchurch, offering close to 100 return flights per week across Oceania during the winter season.

The Adelaide service also carries belly cargo, improving freight capacity between Australia, Hong Kong, and connecting markets. These shipments complement Cathay Cargo’s twice-weekly freighter operations to and from Australia.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, said:

We’re excited to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Adelaide. The airline first started flying to Adelaide in 1992 and it has been one of our enduring international partnerships.

South Australians will again be part of their extensive global network with a non-stop service to Hong Kong and excellent connections to Asian and European destinations.

The A350-900 is a step-up from the A330 that Cathay previously operated on this route, and the inclusion of Premium Economy creates greater product choice for travellers.

We also anticipate solid inbound passenger numbers on the back of our growing tourism
market and strong international education opportunities.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox

Cathay Pacific General Manager Southeast Asia & Oceania Frosti Lau said

Adelaide holds a special place for us at Cathay, from our flights dating back to 1992 to our cadet pilot training program at Flight Training Adelaide with over 30 years of graduates.

The relaunch of our Adelaide seasonal service sees Cathay Pacific reinstate all its prepandemic Australian routes, connecting South Australians to over 100 destinations around the world.

With strong connections to the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia and Europe via Hong Kong, our seasonal summer service will give locals the opportunity to reconnect with family,
see the world and travel for business.

In addition, we will support local South Australians businesses through our cargo capacity offering specialised solutions to get every item to its destination in pristine condition.”

Adelaide Travel Guide

Adelaide welcomes visitors with easy air access through major airlines like Qantas (QF), Singapore Airlines (SQ), and Emirates (EK), making the city a convenient gateway for an Australian holiday. The city combines urban energy with coastal calm, drawing travellers who want nature, culture, and food in one place.

Visitors landing at Adelaide Airport (ADL) can quickly reach the city centre and begin exploring beaches, hills, and parklands. The city offers a reliable transport network, walkable streets, and a mix of outdoor attractions and sports venues that appeal to every type of traveller.

Adelaide attracts travellers with its compact layout, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. The city’s parklands, heritage precincts, and coastline offer varied experiences.

Sports fans can visit Adelaide Oval, while nature lovers explore riverside trails lined with eucalyptus trees or nearby vineyards known for their award-winning wines.

How to Reach the City

By Air

Adelaide Airport (ADL) is located 11 km from the city centre. Flights from India take 12 to 31 hours depending on layovers, with frequent connections through major international hubs.

By Train

Travellers arriving from Melbourne can board The Overland, a scenic 10-hour ride that includes onboard meals. Another route links Sydney to Adelaide via Great Southern Rail, taking about 24 hours and arriving at Adelaide Parklands Station.

By Bus

Coaches run daily to Adelaide’s Central Bus Station on Franklin Street. The station operates from early morning until late evening and connects regional towns with the city.

Getting Around

Adelaide Metro runs buses, trams, and trains across the metropolitan area. Free services operate in the city and North Adelaide, including the City Connector bus, which stops at popular attractions and shopping areas.

Notable Places to Visit

Adelaide Botanical Garden

Established in 1855, the garden features Australian natives, themed landscapes, and exotic species. Exploration time: 1–2 hours.

Mount Lofty

A popular lookout point offering panoramic views of Adelaide and nearby ranges. Exploration time: 2–3 hours.

Himeji Garden

A peaceful Japanese-style garden ideal for a quiet break. Exploration time: 1–2 hours.

Victoria Square

A central civic space used for events and gatherings. Exploration time: about 1 hour.

Adelaide Oval

A major venue for cricket, Aussie Rules football, concerts, and global sporting events.

Dining Highlights

Parwana Afghan Kitchen

Known for flavour-rich Afghan dishes such as dumplings, kabuli palow, and kebabs. The setting includes warm family memorabilia.

Hey Jupiter

A French brasserie serving breakfast classics like croissants and croque monsieur, along with lunch options such as steak frites and quiche.

Rozelle’s

An Italian-inspired spot overlooking the foothills, serving antipasti, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh share plates.

Osteria Oggi

A modern Italian restaurant praised for handmade pasta, grilled seafood, and a contemporary interior inspired by open piazza layouts.

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Local Languages

English is widely spoken. Mandarin, Hindi, and Vietnamese reflect the city’s multicultural community.

Shopping Spots

Adelaide Central Market

Operating since 1869, it hosts over 70 stalls selling fresh produce, artisan foods, and multicultural specialties.

Queen Street

A blend of boutiques, international brands, and department stores, complemented by lively cafes and street performances.

East End

Known for boutique shopping, vintage stores, and a strong café culture, with more than 20 coffee shops in the precinct.

The Parade in Norwood

A suburban hub with over 250 shops, eateries, and boutique stores offering fashion, food, and entertainment.

Major Festivals

Adelaide Festival

A leading arts event featuring theatre, music, dance, and visual arts.

Tasting Australia

A culinary festival celebrating South Australian food and wine through tastings, masterclasses, and live cooking events.

Adelaide Fringe

One of the world’s largest open-access arts festivals, hosting thousands of performances across the city.

Bay to Birdwood

A vintage vehicle rally showcasing classic automobiles on a scenic route from the coast to the Adelaide Hills.

More Reasons to Visit

Kangaroo Island

Home to wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and sea lions. Accessible via a 30-minute flight or a ferry from Cape Jervis.

Beaches

Glenelg is popular with families, Brighton offers relaxed dining, and Henley is known for seafood and sunset views.

South Australian Museum

Houses over 4 million specimens and significant Aboriginal heritage collections.

Adelaide Zoo

One of Australia’s largest zoos, featuring more than 2,500 animals across 250 species, including giant pandas and Australian wildlife.

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