Is Cathay Pacific really to blame for Hong Kong airport’s slow recovery post-pandemic? The government seems eager to shift responsibility, but the facts tell a different story. Despite Cathay’s slower-than-expected recovery, passenger traffic has reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels, showing promising progress.
With pressure from Beijing to establish Hong Kong as an aviation hub, government concerns may be misplaced. Cathay’s recent buyback of shares and positive outlook on future growth indicate confidence in the city’s aviation potential.
As Hong Kong gradually reopens, both Cathay and the airport face challenges, but blaming the airline for delays in the airport’s recovery may be unfounded. A focus on enhancing Hong Kong’s image abroad and addressing industry-wide issues could yield better results.
Blaming Cathay for airport woes may be misguided; a broader approach to industry challenges and reputation management may be more effective at driving Hong Kong’s aviation success.
Alice Wu is a political consultant and a former associate director of the Asia Pacific Media Network at UCLA