Where Should Cathay Pacific Fly to Next in the United States?
- Shreya Majumder
- May 2
- 2 min read
Cathay Pacific recently launched its latest U.S. route, adding Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to its growing North American network. Operated from Hong Kong with an Airbus A350-900, this marks the airline’s eighth U.S. passenger destination.
With ambitions to expand further across North America, Cathay Pacific is actively exploring new opportunities, according to recent comments by senior leadership in an interview with AirlineGeeks. While no official announcements have been made regarding the next U.S. city, market demand data offers clear indicators of viable candidates.
OAG Traffic Analyser reports the top U.S. cities with the highest two-way passenger traffic to and from Hong Kong (as of the 12 months ending July 2024) that remain unserved by Cathay Pacific. These include:
Seattle – 57,000 passengers
Honolulu – 42,000
Houston – 38,000
Las Vegas – 35,000
Washington D.C. – 25,000
Newark – 25,000
Orlando – 19,000
Miami – 19,000
Atlanta – 18,000
Given these figures, Seattle, Honolulu, and Houston emerge as the most likely contenders for Cathay Pacific’s next U.S. route launch. The airline is expected to prioritise cities that offer a blend of strong demand, strategic connectivity, and growth potential as it expands its transpacific footprint.
As Cathay Pacific continues rebuilding and expanding its global network post-pandemic, the choice of its next U.S. destination will be critical in capturing untapped demand and reinforcing its competitive position. Whether it opts for the tech-driven Pacific Northwest, the leisure-heavy Hawaiian market, or a major southern business hub like Houston, the airline’s next move will likely align with both passenger volume and broader strategic objectives. With fleet capacity, hub strength in Hong Kong, and premium service offerings, Cathay Pacific is well-positioned to capitalise on high-demand routes and reassert itself as a key player in transpacific travel.
