Cathay Pacific Airways’ passenger traffic levels grew by 19.8 per cent year on year in March, with Hong Kong’s flag carrier anticipating uncertainties for its cargo business amid sweeping US tariffs.
The airline said on Wednesday that March had been a “quieter month” in terms of travel business, recording about 2.26 million passengers for the period.
But it saw “strong growth momentum” when it came to cargo operations during the first traditional peak period of the year, recording a year-on-year tonnage increase of 10.6 per cent last month.
“However, the latest developments on trade tariffs are creating uncertainties that may cause disruptions to our cargo business, changes in travel demand, increased costs and pressure on supply chains, among other impacts,” said Lavinia Lau Hoi-zee, who serves as Cathay Pacific’s chief customer and commercial officer.
“We are taking proactive steps to put ourselves in the best possible position in facing and mitigating these external forces as we remain aligned, agile and responsive in our approach.”
Cathay noted that passenger traffic last month was 19.8 per cent higher than in March 2024.
The company also said there had been less demand for leisure travel last month due to the absence of long-weekend holidays in the city.
