Cathay Pacific will begin three-weekly nonstop flights between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Almaty International Airport (ALA) on January 9, 2027, subject to regulatory approval. Flights operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. The outbound (CX681) departs Hong Kong at 4:25 PM and arrives Almaty at 8:30 PM; the return (CX680) departs Almaty at 9:50 PM and arrives Hong Kong at 7:00 AM the following day, with a flying time of approximately seven hours and five minutes, according to China Daily HK. Economy fares start at approximately HK$2,300 ($293); business class is priced from HK$14,500.
Almaty marks Cathay Pacific's first destination in Central Asia and, at launch, will be the only nonstop passenger service between Hong Kong and Kazakhstan. Air Astana previously operated the route but has kept it suspended since 2020.
Cathay has linked the launch to its strategy of strengthening Hong Kong's connectivity with countries involved in China's Belt and Road Initiative. OAG data cited by Aviation Week shows approximately 184,000 two-way seats between Kazakhstan and mainland China in October 2026, up 48% year-over-year, with the number of nonstop airport pairs growing from 16 to 22. As Kazakhstan's commercial and cultural capital, Almaty is positioned by the airline as a gateway into the broader Central Asia region.
Sources
Sources & references (4)
Things to do at each end of the route
Top-rated tours & experiences in Hong Kong and Almaty.