Cathay Pacific is reportedly preparing to introduce a year-round nonstop route to Cape Town (CPT) later this year, according to the South China Morning Post. If confirmed, the service would become the Hong Kong-based carrier’s second destination in South Africa.
The new nonstop connection between Hong Kong and Cape Town is expected to have a flight time of approximately 14 hours. It will enter a market already served by Singapore Airlines, which is increasing its Cape Town frequencies from four times per week to daily from March 26. Singapore Airlines’ current routing includes a stop in Johannesburg (JNB), while Cathay Pacific’s planned service would operate nonstop.
In addition to the Cape Town route, Cathay Pacific is scheduled to launch a nonstop service to Washington, D.C. (IAD) later this year. That long-haul route will be operated with the airline’s newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000, with flights beginning on Sept. 15.
Adding Cape Town would strengthen Cathay Pacific’s presence in the South African market and expand its long-haul network from Hong Kong. A nonstop Hong Kong–Cape Town connection would offer a direct alternative for travelers seeking to avoid intermediate stops and shorten total journey time between the two cities.
Further details such as exact launch dates, flight frequencies, and timetables are expected to be announced by the airline in the coming weeks. As with any new international service, final schedules will depend on operational approvals and demand trends.