Flight Buzz
China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam Once Again Easily Accessible From Belgium As Cathay Pacific Relaunches Direct Flights Between Brussels And Hong Kong With Four Weekly Departures And Expanded Regional Links

Tuesday, August 5, 2025
China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are now more accessible than ever for European travelers as Cathay Pacific reintroduces its direct Brussels–Hong Kong route, operating four times weekly. The restored service not only reconnects Belgium to a major Asian hub but also unlocks seamless onward travel to over 100 destinations, including 23 in mainland China, through the airline’s expanding network. This move strengthens cross-continental ties, boosts tourism and business travel, and marks a major step in Cathay Pacific’s strategy to rebuild its global reach following years of disruption.
Cathay Pacific Reconnects Brussels and Hong Kong with Four Weekly Flights, Boosting Trade, Tourism, and Asia-Europe Travel Links
Cathay Pacific has resumed its nonstop service linking Brussels with Hong Kong, restoring a crucial aviation corridor between Belgium and the broader Asian region. With four flights operating each week, the renewed route is a significant milestone in the airline’s European recovery strategy and provides a key gateway for travelers looking to explore or do business across the Asia-Pacific region.
This service operates every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, offering consistent and convenient travel options for both outbound and inbound passengers. The return of this route not only restores connectivity for Belgian travelers heading to East Asia but also offers Hong Kong-based passengers direct access to the heart of Europe.
Cathay Pacific has positioned this route as a central pillar in its broader summer schedule expansion, which now includes nearly 100 round-trip flights each week between Hong Kong and cities across Europe. The airline’s growing European presence spans major destinations including London—with up to five daily departures—Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Amsterdam, all offering strong transit links for long-haul flyers.
A Modern Travel Experience with the A350-900
Travelers on the Brussels–Hong Kong route can expect to fly aboard the advanced Airbus A350-900, one of the most modern aircraft in Cathay Pacific’s fleet. The aircraft is equipped with cutting-edge passenger comfort features, including spacious cabins, quiet engines, energy-efficient systems, and air pressure optimization for long-haul flights.
Business Class passengers enjoy lie-flat seating, enhanced privacy, gourmet dining, and priority services, while Premium Economy and Economy Class travelers benefit from ergonomic seat design, personal entertainment screens, and an upgraded inflight experience. Across all cabins, high-speed Wi-Fi is available, enabling passengers to stay connected, work remotely, or stream content during their journey.
This aircraft selection reinforces Cathay Pacific’s ongoing commitment to sustainable aviation and passenger satisfaction. The A350’s lighter frame and fuel-efficient performance help reduce the airline’s carbon footprint while supporting long-range operations between continents.
Expanding Access to Asia and Mainland China
One of the key advantages of the resumed Brussels–Hong Kong service is the wide network of onward connections available through Hong Kong International Airport. As a major Asian hub, Hong Kong offers seamless transfers to over 100 global cities, many of which are located throughout East and Southeast Asia.
Of particular note is the strong connectivity to mainland China. Through HK Express, Cathay Pacific’s low-cost regional carrier, passengers flying from Brussels can reach 23 Chinese cities, including major business hubs and emerging tourist destinations. This integration provides a flexible, efficient, and cost-effective solution for those traveling beyond Hong Kong into the broader region.
For Belgian enterprises with operations in China or Southeast Asia, and for Asian companies looking to access European markets, the reinstated route is a highly valuable logistics and business asset.
Strategic Move for Tourism, Trade, and Economic Exchange
Executives from Cathay Pacific and Brussels Airport have jointly emphasized the strategic importance of this route in advancing bilateral trade, tourism, and investment. The direct connection between the two cities supports growing demand for personal and professional mobility, enabling smoother cross-border collaboration between Europe and Asia.
Belgium, as home to the European Union headquarters and a key economic center, is a critical entry point for Asian firms looking to build or expand operations across the continent. Conversely, Hong Kong remains a leading financial and commercial hub in Asia, attracting entrepreneurs, investors, and multinational firms from around the world.
Tourism authorities from both regions have also welcomed the move. For Belgian travelers, Hong Kong offers a dynamic urban landscape filled with world-class cuisine, shopping, arts, and cultural landmarks. From Hong Kong, travelers can easily access beaches in Thailand, temples in Cambodia, or nature trails in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, European heritage, architecture, and gastronomy continue to draw increasing numbers of visitors from Asia, many of whom seek to explore Belgium’s medieval towns, historic cathedrals, museums, and international events. The direct flight simplifies travel planning for tourists on both sides and is expected to boost visitor numbers significantly.
Reinforcing Cathay Pacific’s European Vision
The return of the Brussels–Hong Kong route reflects Cathay Pacific’s wider strategy to restore and grow its international flight network in the wake of pandemic-era challenges. As international travel rebounds, the airline is focusing on high-potential markets and essential routes that connect business centers and cultural capitals.
With nearly 100 round-trip flights now scheduled each week between Europe and Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is reinforcing its role as a premier carrier for transcontinental travel. Its long-term strategy includes a mix of full-service and low-cost offerings, modern aircraft deployment, digital enhancements, and partnerships with international airports to deliver a seamless experience for travelers.
This move also aligns with Brussels Airport’s long-term goal of increasing its intercontinental reach and becoming a top-tier European hub for Asia-bound travel. The airport has invested heavily in infrastructure upgrades, passenger experience, and sustainability initiatives to support long-haul operations and global connections.
Looking Ahead
As global travel demand continues to grow, Cathay Pacific’s decision to reconnect Brussels with Hong Kong comes at a critical time. Businesspeople, tourists, students, and expatriates alike stand to benefit from the restored route, which bridges two influential economic regions.
The airline’s broader European expansion and emphasis on strategic partnerships signal a strong commitment to long-term growth, while also reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a central hub in Asia’s global transport network.
China, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam are once again easily accessible from Europe as Cathay Pacific resumes its direct flights between Brussels and Hong Kong, enhancing travel, tourism, and trade across Asia.
With state-of-the-art aircraft, competitive scheduling, and comprehensive regional connectivity, the Brussels–Hong Kong route is poised to play a key role in strengthening ties between Europe and Asia for years to come.
Flight Buzz
Ryanair Flights at Risk as Spain Ground Staff Strike Looms

The strike, called by the UGT union with support from CGT, will impact all Azul Handling bases, including major airports such as Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Alicante, Seville, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, and Tenerife South. Work stoppages are planned in three peak travel windows each day:
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05:00–09:00
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12:00–15:00
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21:00–23:59
If no agreement is reached during Wednesday’s mediation meeting at SIMA, the union warns that strikes will continue every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until December 31, 2025.
Will your flight be affected?
Ryanair has stated that it does not expect major disruptions, but ground services are crucial for normal operations. Without staff to load baggage, refuel aircraft, and manage boarding, delays and cancellations remain possible. Passengers are advised to check flight status in advance and prepare for potential changes.
Are you entitled to compensation?
In many cases, yes. Under EU Regulation 261/2004, passengers can claim compensation for delays or cancellations. However, eligibility depends on whether the strike is considered an “extraordinary circumstance.”
The European Court of Justice has previously ruled that strikes by subcontracted staff, such as Azul Handling, do not always exempt airlines from paying compensation, since they are not entirely beyond the airline’s control.
For Ryanair passengers, this means that claims for compensation may be valid if the strike causes significant disruption.
Flight Buzz
Royal Air Maroc Sets New Milestone In Global Aviation With Major Expansion Of Its Network, Introducing New Direct Flights To Key European And African Destinations

Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is setting a new milestone in global aviation with a bold expansion of its network, launching direct flights to several key European and African destinations. This strategic move is aimed at strengthening the airline’s position as a major player in the international travel market. By introducing new routes starting in September, RAM is not only enhancing its connectivity from its Casablanca hub but also responding to growing demand for seamless travel between continents. These additions will significantly improve access to key cities in Europe and Africa, offering more convenient options for both business and leisure travelers while reinforcing Royal Air Maroc’s commitment to delivering world-class service and connectivity.
Royal Air Maroc Expands Global Network with New Routes and Increased Frequencies
Royal Air Maroc (RAM) is set to significantly enhance its global network by expanding its operations from its Casablanca hub. With the launch of four new destinations starting in September, RAM is positioning itself as a key player in global air travel, with a focus on connecting key cities across Europe, Africa, and beyond. These strategic moves reflect the airline’s commitment to meeting growing demand while strengthening its connectivity for passengers traveling across continents.
New International Routes from Casablanca
Starting September 17, Royal Air Maroc will begin flights to Zurich, marking the first of its four new destinations. The airline will offer two flights per week on this route, providing convenient connections between Morocco and Switzerland. Zurich, known for its global financial sector and tourism attractions, will now be more accessible to Moroccan travelers and vice versa.
On the same day, RAM will also launch a new route to Ndjamena, the capital of Chad, expanding its African network. With two weekly departures, this new service is particularly tailored for business travelers and those looking to explore the region. The evening departures from Casablanca will help passengers traveling from Europe or North Africa to connect smoothly. On the return, flights will depart from Ndjamena early in the morning, ensuring that passengers can catch onward connections to Europe through Casablanca, thus maximizing convenience.
The expansion continues on September 18, with RAM offering two weekly flights to Sal Island, Cape Verde. This destination promises to cater to both leisure and business travelers, with late-night departures from Casablanca, ensuring ease of transfer to connecting flights. The return flights will take off in the early morning hours, again designed to optimize passenger connections with European flights.
Finally, starting on October 20, Royal Air Maroc will introduce a new service to Munich, Germany. This city is a key destination for business and tourism, and RAM will offer two weekly flights, further enhancing the airline’s European presence. Munich’s central location in Europe makes it an attractive hub for international travelers looking to connect to other parts of the continent.
Strengthening Connections to France
As part of its ongoing efforts to improve its services, Royal Air Maroc is also focusing on bolstering its connectivity between Morocco and France, one of its largest international markets. France remains the leading European source of visitors to Morocco, contributing 27.5% of all international arrivals in the past year. Recognizing the importance of this market, RAM is reintroducing several routes that were suspended in recent years.
On October 10, RAM will resume flights from Marrakech to Lyon and Toulouse. This marks a significant return to these French cities, which have long been popular with Moroccan travelers. Following this, on October 11, the airline will re-launch its Marrakech-Nantes route, and on October 12, services to Bordeaux will also be reinstated. These routes were previously suspended in 2017 and 2022, but RAM’s renewed commitment to France underscores the growing demand for direct connections between Morocco and France.
Each of these routes will operate two weekly flights, with RAM using its Boeing 737-800 aircraft to serve them. These flights will provide reliable and comfortable connections for travelers between Morocco and some of France’s most sought-after regions.
Increased Frequencies and Daily Paris Flights
In addition to the reintroduced routes, Royal Air Maroc will further enhance its service to France by increasing the frequency of flights to Marseilles. Starting October 27, RAM will add a third weekly flight between Marrakech and Marseilles, providing even more flexibility for travelers looking to visit southern France.
To further bolster its ties with France, RAM will offer a daily service between Marrakech and Paris Charles de Gaulle airport during the peak winter season. From December 16 to January 18, 2026, the airline will provide daily flights between the two cities, ensuring that passengers can travel between Morocco and France with ease. This increased frequency will undoubtedly appeal to both tourists and business travelers, as well as the Moroccan diaspora in France.
Conclusion
Royal Air Maroc is reaching a major milestone in global aviation by expanding its network with new direct flights to key European and African destinations. Starting in September, the airline will introduce four new routes from Casablanca, enhancing global connectivity and offering more convenient travel options between continents.
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