US to Hong Kong travel is set to soar once again as Cathay Pacific announces the return of nonstop flights between Seattle and Hong Kong, starting March 2026. This revival of a vital transpacific route, which was suspended due to the pandemic and permanently cut in 2020, will offer five weekly roundtrips operated by the Airbus A350. The move reflects Cathay Pacific’s confidence in the recovery of transpacific demand and underscores Seattle’s growing role as a key global travel hub, connecting travelers directly to one of Asia’s most dynamic cities.

Seattle is preparing for a major boost in global connectivity as Cathay Pacific restores nonstop service to Hong Kong from March 30, 2026, operating five weekly flights on its Airbus A350-900 aircraft. The much-anticipated return not only revives a critical transpacific route suspended during the pandemic but also strengthens Seattle’s standing as a vital hub for international travel.

A Long-Awaited Return to the Emerald City

Cathay Pacific’s Seattle–Hong Kong route first launched in March 2019, marking the airline’s recognition of the Pacific Northwest as a growing global center for technology, trade, and innovation. Unfortunately, the service was short-lived. The pandemic forced a suspension in early 2020, followed by permanent removal from the carrier’s network later that year as part of widespread restructuring.

Since then, travelers between Seattle and Hong Kong have had no nonstop option, relying instead on connections through Los Angeles, San Francisco, or Asian gateways like Taipei. The reinstatement of Cathay Pacific’s direct link restores a vital connection for both business and leisure travelers, cutting journey times and reinforcing Seattle’s role in transpacific commerce.

Seattle Becomes Cathay Pacific’s Ninth North American Gateway

With the relaunch, Seattle will stand alongside Boston, Chicago, Dallas-Fort Worth, Los Angeles, New York JFK, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver as Cathay Pacific’s ninth passenger destination in North America.

The airline has been steadily rebuilding its U.S. footprint. Its Dallas-Fort Worth service, launched in 2025, is already ramping up to daily operations, and the 2026 summer schedule is set to include more than 110 weekly return flights across the continent. Seattle adds yet another strategic link in this expanding network.

Cathay Pacific’s North American Destinations

This renewed commitment underscores Cathay Pacific’s confidence in the recovery of long-haul demand between North America and Asia.

Premium Travel Experience with the Airbus A350-900

The five weekly flights will be operated with Cathay Pacific’s Airbus A350-900, a modern aircraft designed for long-haul comfort and efficiency. Onboard, passengers can expect:

• Business Class with fully flat beds and direct aisle access
• Premium Economy with upgraded seating and enhanced legroom
• Economy Class featuring redesigned cabins for added comfort
• Award-winning inflight entertainment, consistently ranked among the world’s best by Skytrax
• Curated dining menus created in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hong Kong restaurants

The A350 is known for its quieter cabin environment, advanced air filtration, and fuel efficiency, making it an ideal aircraft for the long-haul Pacific crossing.

Local Leaders Welcome Cathay’s Return

Seattle’s aviation and tourism leaders have greeted the news enthusiastically. The Port of Seattle highlighted how the route not only reconnects the region with Hong Kong, a key Asian gateway, but also opens seamless access to Cathay Pacific’s network spanning Southeast Asia, mainland China, and India.

Sam Cho, Port of Seattle Commissioner, remarked that Cathay Pacific’s return strengthens Seattle’s role in international trade and deepens cultural and business ties between the two cities.

As of late 2025, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) hosts 37 airlines offering nonstop flights to 94 domestic and 35 international destinations. The addition of Cathay Pacific will enhance that portfolio, giving the city a stronger position in the global aviation landscape.

Strategic Growth Across North America

The Seattle relaunch is just one part of Cathay Pacific’s wider premium push in North America. The carrier recently unveiled its new Aria Suite Business Class, available on select routes from Vancouver, and is planning to open its first-ever dedicated lounge in the United States. This nearly 10,000-square-foot flagship lounge will debut in 2026 at New York JFK’s Terminal 6, offering travelers a signature Cathay experience on U.S. soil.

In addition to passenger services, Cathay Pacific maintains a significant cargo presence. During peak summer months, the airline operates up to 40 weekly freighter services across North America, with Seattle expected to benefit from synergies between passenger and cargo operations.

Restoring a Vital Link

For Seattle travelers, Cathay Pacific’s return represents much more than just another route—it restores a lost direct connection that has been missing for six years. For corporate travelers in the technology, finance, and trade sectors, the nonstop service reduces travel complexity and supports growing cross-Pacific business relations. For leisure passengers, it provides easier access to Hong Kong’s cultural vibrancy and onward journeys to Asia’s most sought-after destinations.

US to Hong Kong travel is set to resume as Cathay Pacific reinstates nonstop flights from Seattle starting March 2026, driven by the airline’s commitment to expanding its North American network and meeting growing demand for direct transpacific connections.

Equally important, the resumption reflects Cathay Pacific’s renewed confidence in the Pacific Northwest market. It signals that transpacific demand is not only recovering but reshaping, with Seattle once again emerging as a vital part of the global travel map.