On January 2, 2025, a Cathay Pacific Airbus A350-1000 operating flight CX829 from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) to Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) experienced an unprecedented 54-hour delay.
The Airbus A350-1000, carrying around 334 passengers, was forced to divert to Reykjavik Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Iceland due to a medical emergency onboard. Here’s a detailed look at the incident, the airline’s response, and its operational impact.
Emergency Diversion to Iceland
Midway through the long-haul journey, while flying over Greenland, the crew diverted to Keflavik to offload a passenger requiring urgent medical attention. Cathay Pacific confirmed the decision was made in the interest of passenger safety:
“Cathay Pacific flight CX829 from Toronto to Hong Kong on January 2 was diverted to Keflavik International Airport in order to offload a passenger who needed urgent medical attention,” a spokesperson said.
After refueling at KEF, flight CX829’s captain opted to return to Toronto, rather than continuing to Hong Kong due to statutory rest and operation limits mandated by the Hong Kong Civil Aviation Department (HKCAD). This decision was made to adhere to HKCAD’s crew rest regulations, as the remaining crew hours were insufficient for the journey.
Return to Toronto
Passengers faced significant delays as the flight returned to Toronto. Cathay Pacific provided hotel accommodations, meals, and transportation for all affected passengers while arrangements were made for a new crew.
The rescheduled flight finally departed Toronto at 3:30 PM local time on January 3, 2025, reaching Hong Kong 54 hours later than initially planned.
Cathay Pacific issued a statement apologizing for the inconvenience, emphasizing its commitment to safety:
“Safety guides every decision we make. The captain of the flight made the decision to return in order to observe statutory requirements on crew operation and rest hours. We sincerely apologize to the affected customers for the inconvenience.”
Cathay Pacific’s A350-1000 Fleet
The Airbus A350-1000 is a cornerstone of Cathay Pacific’s fleet. With 18 aircraft in operation, averaging just 5.2 years old, the airline is the second-largest operator of the A350-1000 globally, after Qatar Airways.
These widebody jets feature a three-class cabin configuration:
- Business Class: 46 seats
- Premium Economy: 32 seats
- Economy Class: 256 seats
The A350-1000 is a reliable workhorse for long-haul routes connecting Hong Kong with major cities across Europe, North America, and Australia.
Cathay Pacific Flight Delay: Final Thoughts
Cathay Pacific’s decision to return to Toronto highlights the challenges airlines face when adhering to strict crew rest regulations. The incident underscores the importance of these guidelines in ensuring passenger safety during ultra-long-haul flights.
While the 54-hour delay was inconvenient for passengers, Cathay Pacific’s swift response to the medical emergency and compliance with safety regulations reflect its commitment to passenger wellbeing.
Moreover, Cathay Pacific continues to expand its long-haul operations. In April 2025, the airline will launch a new route between Hong Kong and Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), further strengthening its presence in North America.
Please join our Telegram Channel for the latest aviation updates.
