What Happened to Cathay Dragon?

Cathay Dragon is no longer operating — it merged into Cathay Pacific. Here’s what happened and how to find flights on its former routes.
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About Cathay Dragon

Cathay Dragon, originally founded as Dragonair in 1985, was the regional subsidiary of Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific, flying to destinations across mainland China and East Asia. As part of a major restructuring during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathay Pacific discontinued the Cathay Dragon brand entirely on October 21, 2020, transferring most of its routes to mainline Cathay Pacific and budget carrier HK Express.

Cathay Dragon Route Network

Cathay Dragon no longer operates. Its former regional routes to mainland China and East Asia were absorbed by Cathay Pacific and its low-cost subsidiary HK Express.

Primary Hub

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) — historical

Cathay Dragon’s historical hub was Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), the same hub used by its parent Cathay Pacific today.

Alliance & Partner Airlines

As a defunct airline, Cathay Dragon has no current alliance ties — it was previously an affiliate member of oneworld through its parent Cathay Pacific. Travelers looking for its former routes should search under Cathay Pacific or HK Express.

Baggage, Seating & Onboard Amenities

A quick reference before you pack — always confirm exact allowances on your fare rules at booking, since they vary by route and cabin.

Carry-On & Personal Item

Not applicable — Cathay Dragon does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.

Checked Baggage

Not applicable — Cathay Dragon does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.

Excess Baggage Fees

Overweight, oversized, or extra bags typically incur a per-bag fee charged at check-in or online in advance — pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

Seat Selection & Cabin Classes

Not applicable — Cathay Dragon does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Cathay Pacific discontinued the Cathay Dragon brand entirely on October 21, 2020, as part of a major pandemic-driven restructuring, folding its operations into mainline Cathay Pacific and budget carrier HK Express.

Cathay Dragon's IATA code was KA, with ICAO code HDA — both inherited from its original identity as Dragonair.

Yes — Dragonair was rebranded as Cathay Dragon in 2016, continuing as the same airline entity under a new name until its operations ceased in 2020.

Cathay Pacific's parent group cut over 8,500 jobs and restructured its operations amid the severe travel downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, deciding to consolidate Cathay Dragon's flying into its mainline and budget brands rather than continue operating three separate airlines.

Most of Cathay Dragon's routes to mainland China and East Asia were transferred to mainline Cathay Pacific, with some lower-yield routes moving to Cathay's budget subsidiary, HK Express.
No. Since Cathay Dragon does not operate flights, you can't book tickets directly with it. Search for your route under Cathay Pacific or HK Express instead.
Yes, as an affiliate through its parent Cathay Pacific, until its operations ceased in October 2020.
Much of Cathay Dragon's Airbus A320-family and A330 fleet was transferred into Cathay Pacific's operations, though the full disposition of all aircraft varied given reduced industry-wide capacity at the time.
Search for your origin and destination under Cathay Pacific, which now operates the vast majority of routes previously flown under the Cathay Dragon brand.
There's no indication of a relaunch — the 2020 brand discontinuation was a deliberate permanent restructuring decision by Cathay Pacific Group, not a temporary suspension.

Domestic Flight Cities

Looking for Cathay Dragon’s Former Routes?

Cathay Dragon was merged into Cathay Pacific and HK Express in October 2020. Search Cathay Pacific for most of its former mainland China and East Asia routes.

Search Current Flights

International Flight Cities

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