Cathay Pacific passenger traffic continued to be sluggish in May 2022 despite the gradual easing of travel restrictions in Hong Kong.
In May 2022, Hong Kong’s flag carrier carried a total of 57,982 passengers, a slight increase compared to April 2022, but a 98% decrease compared to pre-pandemic levels.
“The introduction of further adjustments to travel restrictions and quarantine requirements in Hong Kong from 1 May was a welcome development, although our business during the month remained constrained,” chief customer and commercial officer at Cathay Pacific, Ronald Lam said.
The low passenger traffic numbers in May 2022 were attributed to travel restrictions, which, according to the airline, are still stringent.
The airline increased passenger flight capacity by 78% in May 2022 compared to the previous month.
Looking ahead to June and beyond, Cathay Pacific plans to increase passenger flight capacity “as much as is practicable under the confines of ongoing restrictions”. The airline also expects to narrow a loss in the first half of 2022.
“We will be keeping a close eye on the opening up of travel activities in nearby countries, such as Japan and South Korea, and will look to operate flights to capture potential demand wherever possible. We also expect transit traffic to improve and become more diversified, in particular between the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as North America and Southeast Asia,” Lam said.
The news comes just weeks after the airline announced plans to rehire more staff. The airline invited former personnel furloughed during the COVID-19 pandemic to send a priority application, according to the South China Morning Post.