Flying Cathay Pacific from Hong Kong to Delhi: A Calm, Clever, and Comfortable Experience

This was my first experience flying with Cathay Pacific, the flag carrier of Hong Kong and one of Asia’s most respected legacy airlines. I was particularly interested in seeing how the airline would perform on a mid-haul flight from Macau to Delhi. Having flown several other carriers in the region, I was curious to compare Cathay’s product and service, especially given its long-standing reputation for premium service. Our flight was operated by one of Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ERs, a wide body aircraft commonly used by the airline on routes across Asia and beyond.

From Hotel to HKIA: An Unexpectedly Smooth Journey

Our journey began in Macau. While many travellers opt for ferries or private transfers to reach Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), we discovered a convenient airport coach service. What truly stood out was that this bus picked us up right from our hotel. Even more impressive, Cathay Pacific offers a streamlined check-in and immigration process in Macau itself.

That meant by the time we arrived at HKIA, there was no need to queue up again. All we had to do was proceed directly to our departure gate. The journey from Macau to HKIA took just under an hour and offered a unique travel experience. 

We crossed the incredible Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, which spans a massive 55 kilometers. Recognized as the world’s longest sea crossing, the bridge delivers breathtaking views. If you’re flying out from HKIA, I recommend sitting on the right side of the aircraft during takeoff to catch stunning aerial glimpses of the bridge and surrounding waters. 

Check-in Experience at Hong Kong Airport

Check-in at Hong Kong International Airport was smooth and efficient. The airport staff were polite and quick to assist. Since we had already checked in online, we just had to drop off our bags and collect boarding passes. There was a separate line for Cathay Pacific passengers, and it moved quickly. Security and immigration were also well-organised, and we were airside within 20 minutes. Overall, it was a stress-free start to the journey. 

Plane Spotting at HKIA: A Treat for Aviation Enthusiasts

Once I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport, I had some time to spare before boarding my flight to Delhi. Naturally, I used this opportunity to indulge in one of my favourite airport pastimes: plane spotting. Few airports in the world offer the kind of variety and frequency of aircraft movements that HKIA does. As one of the region’s most significant aviation hubs, the airport consistently delivers a rich mix of aircraft types, airline liveries, and operational dynamics that make it a dream location for any aviation enthusiast. 

Among the most striking sightings that day was a Lufthansa Airbus A340-600. Given that this particular aircraft type is being gradually phased out across many global carriers, spotting one at close range felt like witnessing a moment in aviation history. The A340-600, with its four engines and elongated fuselage, stood out among the more common twin-engine jets populating the apron.

A few gates away, an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner was parked at a remote stand. This particular aircraft had recently made headlines for a series of technical snags, which added a layer of intrigue as I observed it. While the Dreamliner is now a regular sight at major airports, knowing the specific background of this aircraft brought a personal connection to the moment. It reminded me how every aircraft has its own operational story, sometimes hidden behind the sleek paint and polished windows.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is known not just for its smooth operations but also for its beautiful design. One standout feature is the Sky Bridge — a tall, glass walkway that connects parts of the terminal and offers expansive views of the runway and taxiways. It’s not just a way to get from one gate to another. It’s also a space where travellers can pause and watch the aircraft below. The views, especially during sunset or while planes are taking off and landing, are said to be unforgettable.

I didn’t have enough time to explore it during my trip. My layover was tight, and I had to head straight to my gate. But based on what I’ve read and seen online, the Sky Bridge is a must-visit spot for anyone who enjoys aviation. If your layover allows, I highly recommend taking a few extra minutes to walk across it. It’s one of those small details that makes HKIA feel like more than just an airport.

Our flight was operated by one of Cathay Pacific’s Boeing 777-300ERs. While this is one of the older aircraft models in their fleet, it continues to serve major destinations such as Delhi and Mumbai. In contrast, Cathay has deployed the more modern Airbus A350s on routes like Hong Kong to Bangalore.

Cathay Pacific has recently announced a cabin upgrade program. New Aria Suites in business class and refreshed premium economy seats are being gradually introduced across the fleet. Unfortunately, our particular aircraft hadn’t received the retrofit yet. Even so, the existing business class still offered lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration — a strong feature compared to many competitors.

Economy class on this flight followed a 3-4-3 layout. While this ten-abreast configuration can feel slightly cramped, it has become the industry standard for 777s. That said, the seats were decently padded, featured adjustable headrests, a large in-flight entertainment screen, and a handy ledge beneath the screen — perfect for placing a phone or a drink.

The onboard experience was smooth and pleasant. Despite being one of the older aircraft in Cathay Pacific's fleet, the cabin was clean, well-maintained, and quiet. The crew was both professional and genuinely warm throughout the journey. Service struck the right balance between attentiveness and discretion — a combination that’s increasingly rare on international flights.

Meal service was prompt and well-organised. I opted for the Asian vegetarian meal, which was flavourful and generously portioned. The beverage selection featured a good mix of soft drinks, juices, teas, and a variety of wines and spirits.

 The in-flight entertainment system worked seamlessly from start to finish. Its intuitive interface and wide library of international films, regional shows, and music helped make the long flight feel significantly shorter and far more enjoyable.

Cathay Pacific continues to demonstrate why it remains a reliable option for travellers navigating routes between India and East Asia. Despite operating an older Boeing 777-300ER on this particular flight, the airline delivered a well-rounded and thoughtfully executed experience. Ground operations—from check-in to boarding—were seamless and efficient, reflecting the professionalism expected of a major international carrier.

In the air, the cabin environment was quiet and clean, the crew’s service was both warm and precise, and the inflight offerings—from meals to entertainment—were delivered with attention to detail. Even without the latest cabin retrofit, the business class provided a competitive layout, and the economy cabin, while following the now-standard ten-abreast configuration, offered enough comfort to meet expectations.

As Cathay Pacific progresses with its cabin upgrade program and continues to modernize its fleet, it appears well-positioned to enhance its standing in an increasingly competitive aviation market. For passengers seeking consistency, comfort, and efficient service across long-haul routes, particularly between South and East Asia, Cathay Pacific represents a dependable and quietly confident choice.