Direct Flights Reconnect Hong Kong and Rome, Expanding Travel Options Across Europe

Cathay Pacific is operating direct flights again between Hong Kong and Rome, improving links between East Asia and Southern Europe. The seasonal summer service started on June 5, 2025, with flights operating three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Rome becomes the second Italian city in Cathay’s network, complementing its existing daily flights to Milan and expanding the carrier’s European presence.

This route revival is part of the Cathay Group’s wider post-pandemic expansion which aims to reach 100 global destinations within 2025. Earlier this year, Cathay Pacific introduced new routes to Hyderabad, Dallas Fort Worth and Urumqi. The reinstated Rome service caters to increased demand for international travel and offers a strategic connection for passengers heading to one of Europe’s most historically and culturally significant capitals.

The route offers travelers from Asia direct flights to well-known Roman sites such as the Colosseum, where visitors can explore the ancient gladiator arena, the Pantheon, a remarkably preserved building from Roman times, and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, which draws millions of pilgrims and tourists every year. This nonstop flight considerably reduces travel time and makes the trip easier for those wanting to discover the Eternal City's rich history.

Likewise, the direct connection opens new possibilities for European travelers visiting Hong Kong. With its blend of tradition and modernity, visitors can explore Victoria Peak, offering panoramic views of the skyline and harbor; delve into history at the Hong Kong Museum of History, which showcases the city’s colonial and cultural past; and enjoy peaceful walks through Nan Lian Garden, a classical Chinese landscape garden in Diamond Hill. These highlights make Hong Kong a dynamic gateway for East Asian exploration.

The restoration of this direct service reflects a broader recovery in global air travel and signals growing confidence in international tourism. This development makes traveling to Italy more straightforward for passengers while also offering better connections to other European cities. The increase in direct flights is making long-haul travel more straightforward, efficient, and flexible for a variety of travel preferences.