Cathay Group’s 2025 Surge: December Records and Over 36 Million Passengers

Record passenger volumes in late 2025 at the Cathay Group set a new benchmark for the airline’s busiest travel periods and reshaped demand patterns for ground transport around airports and cities.

What happened in December and across 2025

The Cathay Group’s airlines, Cathay Pacific and HK Express, registered a peak single-day load with more than 125,000 passengers on 27 December 2025; that mark was eclipsed a few days later when over 126,000 passengers flew on 3 January 2026. For the full year, the Group moved in excess of 36 million passengers, a rise of about 27% year-on-year.

Key performance highlights

Drivers behind the surge

• Network expansion into North America, Europe, Northeast Asia, Thailand and India increased international flows.
• More available seats as ASKs rose, allowing airlines to carry more travellers during peak windows.
• Festive demand and seasonal travel spikes pushed single-day records in late December.
• Cargo solutions such as Cathay Fresh boosted freight demand alongside passenger traffic.

Carrier-specific takeaways

Cathay Pacific saw a 22% rise in December passengers with ASKs up 23%, while its full-year passenger uplift matched the Group’s ~27% growth. HK Express, the low-cost arm, carried over 780,000 passengers in December alone (a 24% rise) and recorded roughly 30% growth for the year as route additions and holiday demand paid off. Cathay Cargo posted positive momentum too, with tonnage and Available Freight Tonne Kilometres up and perishables flows into the Greater Bay Area standing out.

What this means for taxis, transfers and local services

Higher airline traffic translates directly into greater pressure on ground transport networks around major airports and city hubs. The surge affects several areas:

1. Airport transfer demand: more inbound and outbound arrivals raise the need for pre-booked transfers and timely pickups.
2. Pricing and availability: peak days can see cab and private transfer fares climb and availability tighten unless vehicles are reserved in advance.
3. Operational planning: fleets and drivers must scale around known peaks to avoid long waits and service bottlenecks.

Practical tips for travellers

• Book airport transfers in advance for exact pickup times and to lock fares.
• Choose verified providers that show car make, model and driver ratings before you commit.
• Allow extra time to pass through airport terminals during peak days and check flight and baggage timelines.

How transparency in booking changes the game

When airlines expand schedules and hit new traffic records, passengers benefit from services that offer clarity: knowing the vehicle type, seeing driver ratings and confirming pickup windows reduces stress. Platforms that expose vehicle details and provider information narrow the gap between expectation and reality—especially on busy travel dates.

The important and interesting part about Cathay Group’s traffic surge is how it highlights the interdependence of air and ground mobility; however, even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t fully replace firsthand experience. On LocalsRide, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with LocalsRide. LocalsRide.com

In summary, Cathay Group’s record December and the >36 million passenger year underline a return to strong demand for international travel and cargo in 2025. For travellers this means paying attention to transfer bookings, seat and baggage timelines, and fare transparency when you book a taxi, private car or shuttle to the airport or city destination. LocalsRide.com supports this need by offering a global, user-friendly solution to book personalised transfers, trips and deliveries with clear details on vehicle make, seat configuration, driver license and ratings—helping you get the best service at the exact price and time you need. Whether you want a cheap cab, private limousine, a multi-seater van, or to check how much a ride will cost, LocalsRide’s transparency and convenience make it easier to book the right car and driver for your journey.