Cathay Pacific has resumed its non-stop flights between Hong Kong 🇭🇰 and Brussels 🇧🇪 as of August 3, 2025, restoring a key link between Asia and Europe. This move brings back four direct flights each week, making travel easier for business and leisure passengers, and boosting cargo operations between the two cities.
The first flight took off from Hong Kong on August 3, 2025, marking a major step in Cathay Pacific’s plan to rebuild its European network after the pandemic. The airline now offers four weekly flights in each direction, using the modern Airbus A350-900. This aircraft features fully flat beds in Business Class, a spacious Premium Economy section, and improved Economy cabins, aiming to provide comfort for all travelers.
Flight Schedule and Booking Details
- Hong Kong (HKG) to Brussels (BRU): Flights depart every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 23:50, arriving in Brussels at 07:20 the next day.
- Brussels (BRU) to Hong Kong (HKG): Return flights leave every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 13:25, landing in Hong Kong at 06:55 the following day.
- Booking: Tickets are available on the Cathay Pacific official website. For group bookings of more than nine people, travelers should contact the local reservations office.
This schedule is designed to help passengers arrive refreshed and ready for a full day, whether they are landing in Brussels or Hong Kong. Lavinia Lau, Chief Customer and Commercial Officer at Cathay Pacific, said, “We are very pleased to be back in Brussels, directly connecting our home hub with one of Europe’s major political centres and a tourism destination that’s steeped in history and culture. Our new service offers excellent flight timings in both directions, enabling customers to wake up refreshed with a full day ahead whether they are arriving in Brussels or Hong Kong.”
Broader Expansion and Increased Connectivity
The return to Brussels is part of a larger push by Cathay Pacific to expand its European routes in 2025. Along with Brussels, the airline is adding new flights to Munich and Rome. During the summer peak, Cathay Pacific will operate nearly 100 return flights each week between Hong Kong and Europe, with more flights to major cities like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, and Zurich.
Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport, welcomed the return, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Cathay Pacific back to Brussels Airport. This direct route to Hong Kong reinforces our role as a European hub and provides our passengers with even more travel opportunities to Asia. For travellers from Hong Kong, our airport offers direct access to the capital of Europe and also serves as an excellent gateway to destinations across Europe.”
Benefits for Passengers and Cargo
For travelers, the direct service between Hong Kong and Brussels saves time and offers more convenience. The flight times are set to allow easy connections to other flights and onward travel. Passengers arriving in Hong Kong can connect to over 100 destinations worldwide, including 23 cities in Mainland China, through Cathay Pacific and its partner, HK Express.
For those traveling beyond Hong Kong, the airport’s SkyPier Terminal offers direct air-to-sea and air-to-land services, making it simple to reach other cities in the Greater Bay Area. This intermodal service is especially helpful for travelers heading to places not directly served by flights.
Cargo operations also benefit from the resumed passenger flights. The extra belly cargo space on these flights adds to Cathay Cargo’s seven weekly freighter flights between Europe and Hong Kong, supporting trade and business links between the two regions.
Impact on Brussels Airport and Local Economy
The direct route strengthens Brussels Airport’s role as a key European hub. In 2024, about 35,000 travelers from Belgium flew to Hong Kong, showing strong demand for this connection. The restored service is expected to attract even more passengers, supporting both tourism and business travel.
Brussels is not only the capital of Belgium 🇧🇪 but also the headquarters for the European Union and NATO. This makes it an important destination for business travelers, diplomats, and tourists alike. The direct flights make it easier for people from Hong Kong to reach Brussels and for Belgians to visit Asia.
Industry Analysis and Passenger Experience
Aviation experts see Cathay Pacific’s return to Brussels as a sign of recovery for the airline and growing demand for travel between Asia and Europe. The use of the fuel-efficient Airbus A350-900 matches industry trends toward more sustainable and comfortable travel.
Cathay Pacific’s inflight entertainment has also received high praise, winning “World’s Best Inflight Entertainment” at the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards. This focus on passenger comfort and experience is likely to make the route popular among both business and leisure travelers.
Historical Context and Recovery from the Pandemic
Cathay Pacific first launched the Hong Kong–Brussels route in March 2018. However, the service was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with many other international flights. The resumption of this route in August 2025 marks a full restoration of this important link, reflecting the airline’s commitment to rebuilding its global network.
The airline announced the relaunch in December 2024, with ticket sales and marketing campaigns starting in early 2025. The schedule and frequency of flights will continue to be reviewed based on demand and any changes in travel rules.
Looking Ahead: Future Developments
Cathay Pacific plans to keep expanding its European network, with ongoing reviews of market conditions and travel demand. The airline’s strategy focuses on providing more choices for travelers and supporting business and tourism links between Hong Kong and Europe.
For those planning to travel, it’s important to check the latest entry and visa requirements for both Belgium and Hong Kong. The official Belgian government website provides up-to-date information on visa rules and travel documents for visitors to Belgium.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Booking: Use the Cathay Pacific website for the latest schedules and fares.
- Connections: Take advantage of easy onward connections in Hong Kong to destinations across Asia and beyond.
- Travel Documents: Check visa requirements before booking your trip.
- Group Travel: For groups of more than nine, contact the airline’s local office for special arrangements.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the return of Cathay Pacific’s Brussels flights is a positive sign for the recovery of international travel and offers new opportunities for both passengers and businesses. With strong demand, modern aircraft, and a focus on customer comfort, the route is set to play a key role in connecting Hong Kong and Brussels in the years ahead.
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