Cathay Group achieves record passenger volumes in December 2025 and tops 36 million for the year

The Cathay Group closed 2025 with record passenger traffic in December and a full-year total exceeding 36 million travellers. This piece examines the operational highlights and what the surge means for airport transfers and ground transport.

Year-end peak: what the numbers say at a glance

The Group’s passenger airlines, Cathay Pacific und HK Express, registered unprecedented single‑day volumes during the holiday surge: more than 125,000 passengers on 27 December 2025, and a new peak of over 126,000 passengers on 3 January 2026. For the calendar year, the passenger tally topped 36 million, a 27% year‑on‑year increase, supported by a 25% lift in Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs).

Cargo performance and niche services

Cathay Cargo also recorded solid results, moving over 1.6 million tonnes of freight in 2025, up more than 9% year on year. December tonnage grew by 6%, while Available Freight Tonne Kilometres (AFTKs) rose by 8%, largely driven by its Cathay Fresh perishables solution serving flows from the Americas and Oceania into the Greater Bay Area.

Carrier-by-carrier snapshot

Key highlights

• Record single‑day traffic: two peaks at the year‑end holiday period.
• Broad regional demand: strong routes to North America, Europe, Northeast Asia, Thailand and India.
• Cargo resilience: perishables and specialised solutions underpin freight growth.
• Safety recognition: both passenger brands were praised for operational excellence.

Operational drivers behind the growth

Management points to network expansion and added capacity as central levers. Increased ASKs indicate more seats on more routes, while targeted cargo services—like temperature-controlled logistics for perishables—have captured trade lanes that help stabilise yields even during seasonal swings.

What this means for travellers and transfers

More seats and routes are good news for passengers, but peak travel days produce cascading effects on ground transport: longer queues at curbside pickup, higher demand for taxis and private cars, and an increase in wait times at major airports. For travellers who have a mind to avoid surprises, booking transfers in advance is a sensible step.

• Peak days require earlier Abholung scheduling and flexibility with drop‑off windows.
• Expect higher fare pressure on the day of major peaks; prebooked private transfers often lock in an exact Preis.
• For groups or families, consider larger vehicles or multi‑seater vans to secure enough seats and reduce transfers.

Practical transfer tips for busy travel periods

Reserve your airport ride in advance, confirm vehicle make and model where possible, check driver credentials, and allow extra time for immigration and baggage. Choosing a provider that displays the car, driver rating and exact fare ahead of time removes much of the uncertainty that accompanies holiday peaks.

Implications for the travel ecosystem

The surge highlights two trends: recovery of long‑haul leisure travel and the value of tailored logistics for perishables. On the ground, the ripple effects push taxi companies, limousine services and private‑hire operators to plan fleet deployment around peak windows and cooperate more closely with airports to manage flows efficiently.

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In summary, Cathay Group’s 2025 results underline a strong rebound in passenger demand and steady cargo growth—factors that have immediate consequences for airport transfer demand and local Taxi and private car services. Whether you need an exact pickup time, a licensed driver, a private limousine or a cheaper seater option, planning ahead helps manage fares, seat availability and transfer time. Use apps and services that show the car make, model and price so you know how much to budget; get the best offers by booking early to secure the right vehicle and price. GetTransfer.com supports this approach by offering transparent listings of cars, drivers and fares for airport and city transfers worldwide, making it easier to choose the best service and Buch with confidence.