Cathay Pacific to Connect Hong Kong and Dallas with New Nonstop Flights

Cathay Pacific will inaugurate a new nonstop route between its Hong Kong (HKG) hub and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the base of its U.S. partner, American Airlines, starting on April 24, 2025. This announcement bolsters Cathay Pacific’s presence in North America, adding its sixth U.S. destination.

Graphic: Courtesy of greatcirclemap.com / Markus Englund

Covering a distance of 8,123 miles, this new route will become the airline’s longest flight, surpassing the distance of its service to New York JFK.

A Major Expansion into North America

Cathay Pacific’s DFW route represents more than just a milestone in distance—it’s a strategic expansion into one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.

With DFW being a major hub for Oneworld alliance partners, this new route is expected to open up extensive connectivity for passengers.

Photo: American Airlines gates. Courtesy of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport

According to Lavinia Lau, Cathay Pacific Group’s chief customer and commercial officer, “Dallas Fort Worth International Airport is one of the world’s busiest airports. With our Cathay Pacific codeshares and other flight options, customers can connect to over 190 domestic destinations in the United States, as well as 11 destinations in Central and South America via DFW.”

Previously, this route was operated by American Airlines but was suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Cathay Pacific now steps in as the fourth Oneworld carrier to serve DFW, alongside Fiji Airways, Finnair, and Iberia. Other Oneworld partners, including British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas, and Qatar Airways, have also expanded their capacity to the Texan gateway.

Flight Details and Schedule

The new service will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—using the airline’s flagship, the Airbus A350-1000 aircraft.

The outbound flight, CX898, will depart Hong Kong at 4:05 PM and arrive in Dallas at 5:55 PM. The return flight, CX897, will leave Dallas at 11:55 PM and arrive in Hong Kong at 5:05 AM two days later, following a nearly 16-hour westbound journey.

This latest addition to Cathay Pacific’s North American network is part of a broader expansion strategy. By May 2025, the airline will operate 108 weekly return flights between Hong Kong and North America, increasing frequencies to several key destinations.

For instance, Cathay will offer three daily return flights to New York, Los Angeles (LAX), and San Francisco (SFO) and daily services to Boston (BOS) and Chicago (ORD).

Photo: Airbus A350-1000. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific is also increasing its presence in Canada by adding two daily flights to Vancouver (YVR) and operating 13 return flights per week to Toronto (YYZ). This expansion is a notable milestone considering that the airline initially entered the North American market in 1983 with its nonstop service to Vancouver.

Aviation expert Gary Leff of View from the Wing believes this expansion is well-timed. “Since American Airlines no longer flies to Hong Kong, and Dallas offers the greatest connectivity, this new flight seems like a strong bet as Cathay Pacific rebuilds its U.S. route network,” says Leff. “It even makes sense, most likely, prior to restarting flights like Washington Dulles.”

Upcoming Aria Business Class

As Cathay Pacific expands its long-haul routes, premium passengers are in for a treat. The airline is expected to roll out its much-anticipated Aria business class cabin, expected to debut before the end of the year.

Photo: Courtesy of Cathay Pacific / YouTube

The Dallas route is likely to feature these luxurious new suites, offering enhanced privacy and comfort.

Cathay Pacific is retrofitting its Boeing 777-300ER fleet to include the Aria Suites and revamped Premium Economy and Economy cabins.

For frequent flyers, the introduction of Aria is an exciting development. The new suites have already garnered attention as one of the most anticipated business class cabins of 2024.

Free In-Flight Wi-Fi

In addition to luxury seating, Cathay Pacific recently announced a significant enhancement to its in-flight experience—free Wi-Fi for all business class passengers.

Photo: First Class, Boeing 777-300ER. Courtesy of Cathay Pacific

Starting in November 2024, Diamond members of Cathay’s loyalty program will also enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi across all cabins, adding value to their travel experience.

While passengers shouldn’t expect lightning-fast internet speeds, the availability of connectivity is a welcome addition for those looking to stay connected while crossing the Pacific.

Looking Ahead

As Cathay Pacific continues to rebuild and expand its U.S. route network post-pandemic, the addition of Dallas Fort Worth represents a strategic move to enhance connectivity and provide passengers with more options.

With over 190 domestic U.S. destinations accessible via DFW and new in-flight features like the Aria business class and free Wi-Fi, Cathay Pacific is positioning itself as a top choice for premium and business travelers.

For passengers flying between Hong Kong and the U.S., this new service opens up a world of possibilities—whether for business, leisure, or simply staying connected in a rapidly changing global landscape.