Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Cathay Pacific has resumed its flights between Hong Kong and Brussels for the first time since 2020. The restart of this important route marks a significant milestone for the airline, signaling its efforts to strengthen its presence in the European market as part of its broader strategy to rebuild its long-haul network. The flight on the Hong Kong-Brussels route, meanwhile, operates four times per week with Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900 aircrafts, in three class configuration that include business, premium economy and regular economy classes. It is hoped this revival will also help benefit the tourism and economy of both cities and once again re-establish Hong Kong as a significant political centre in Europe.
The Significance of Reopening the Hong Kong-Brussels Route
The Hong Kong-Brussels route, which had been suspended due to the global pandemic, is now officially back in operation, offering travellers an essential link between Hong Kong and Brussels. Brussels, known for its rich political history and cultural heritage, is not only the capital of Belgium but also a major political center in Europe, hosting key European Union institutions. The resumption of direct flights is expected to contribute significantly to the tourism industry in both Brussels and Hong Kong, as visitors can now travel more easily between these two vibrant cities.
Brussels is home to a thriving tourism industry, with travellers attracted by its beautiful architecture, historic landmarks, and cultural events. The city is also renowned for being the seat of the European Union, drawing in political figures, business leaders, and diplomats. By reintroducing this vital connection, Cathay Pacific is facilitating the movement of both tourists and professionals, fostering business ties, and enabling greater cultural exchange between the two regions.
Strengthening Cathay Pacific’s European Operations
Cathay Pacific has been steadily expanding its operations in Europe, having recently added flights to Rome and Munich earlier this year. With the addition of the Brussels route, the airline now operates nearly 100 weekly flights between Hong Kong and Europe. This increased connectivity is part of Cathay Pacific’s broader strategy to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and to meet the growing demand for long-haul travel. The airline has been particularly focused on increasing its European footprint, offering services to major cities such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Paris.
Cathay Pacific’s growing network of European destinations is a strong indicator of the recovery of international air travel. In addition to the newly resumed Brussels flights, the airline operates five daily flights from London and daily services from other European cities including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Manchester, Milan, Paris, and Zurich. There are also four weekly flights to both Barcelona and Madrid. This expansion not only helps restore the airline’s pre-pandemic reach but also provides travellers with more convenient options for connecting flights across Europe.
Boosting Tourism and Economic Growth
The impact of Cathay Pacific’s return to Brussels is expected to be far-reaching, with positive effects for both the tourism sector and the broader economy. For Brussels, the increase in direct flights from Hong Kong is likely to attract more international tourists, particularly from Asia. Hong Kong serves as a key hub for travel across the Asia-Pacific region, and the reopening of this route will encourage more travellers to visit Brussels as part of their European itinerary.
In addition to leisure tourism, business travel between the two regions is also expected to see a boost. Brussels, being a center of international politics and commerce, hosts a wide range of business conferences, diplomatic meetings, and EU summits. The restored connection between Hong Kong and Brussels provides a seamless travel option for business professionals and diplomats. This ease of travel will facilitate not only corporate meetings and partnerships but also trade relations between Hong Kong, Belgium, and the broader European Union.
Cathay Pacific’s efforts to rebuild its European network also have positive implications for Hong Kong’s economy. The city has long been a vital financial and trade hub in Asia, and the resumption of direct flights to Brussels supports the city’s role as a key gateway to both Asia and Europe. The increased frequency of flights allows for more efficient travel, which benefits businesses, tourists, and expatriates who rely on connectivity between these two regions. The return of European travellers to Hong Kong will help revitalize the city’s tourism industry, which had been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
The Future of Long-Haul Travel
The revival of the Hong Kong-Brussels route is a clear sign that long-haul international travel is making a strong comeback. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, more airlines are resuming routes that were previously suspended, providing much-needed connectivity for travellers worldwide. Cathay Pacific’s commitment to expanding its network and increasing flight frequency to Europe reflects the airline’s confidence in the continued demand for international travel.
Moreover, the Airbus A350-900 aircraft used on the Hong Kong-Brussels route is a symbol of the airline’s commitment to sustainability and passenger comfort. The A350-900 is known for its fuel-efficient performance and advanced technology, ensuring that Cathay Pacific continues to provide a safe and comfortable flying experience for its passengers while minimizing its environmental footprint.
Conclusion: A Key Step in the Recovery of Global Travel
The reopening of Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong-Brussels route plays a crucial role in the ongoing recovery of international air travel and has a direct impact on tourism and economic growth in both Hong Kong and Brussels. By enhancing connectivity between two of the world’s most important cultural and political centers, the airline is not only supporting the travel industry but also strengthening business ties and fostering cultural exchange. As more routes are reinstated and flight frequencies increased, it is expected that the economic benefits of improved air connectivity will continue to grow, further revitalizing the tourism and business sectors in both regions.
