For Cathay Pacific nonstop flights from Hong Kong to the European destinations listed below, including London, Paris and Rome, the current Long award band reference is 27,000 Asia Miles per person one-way in Economy. Johannesburg in South Africa falls within the same band, so you can use the same chart to estimate your miles.
This guide covers 12 European destinations and Johannesburg, including seasonal routes, to help you compare destinations, cabins and the number of travellers. For Japan, South Korea and other Asian destinations, see our Cathay Asia award chart.
How many miles do Europe and Johannesburg flights require?
These are the current Standard Award references for Cathay nonstop flights, in Asia Miles per person one-way:
Distance band and flight distanceEconomyPremium EconomyBusinessFirstLong: 5,001–7,500 miles27,00052,00091,000125,000
The four cabin figures are band references. They do not mean that every destination or flight offers each cabin or has award seats available. In particular, a First figure in the chart does not establish that your chosen route offers First. Check Cathay's redemption search for the actual miles required, available cabins and seats.
Cathay nonstop destinations from Hong Kong to Europe and Africa
All destinations below fall within the Long band. Airport codes in brackets help you check the arrival airport when searching.
RegionCountryDestination and airport codeEuropeUnited KingdomLondon Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN)EuropeFranceParis Charles de Gaulle (CDG)EuropeGermanyFrankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC)EuropeItalyMilan Malpensa (MXP), Rome Fiumicino (FCO, seasonal)EuropeNetherlandsAmsterdam (AMS)EuropeBelgiumBrussels (BRU)EuropeSpainMadrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN, seasonal)EuropeSwitzerlandZurich (ZRH)AfricaSouth AfricaJohannesburg (JNB)
Rome's 2026 summer service runs from 30 March to 24 October. Barcelona is also a summer seasonal route. Seasonal destinations are not necessarily bookable throughout the year: check Cathay's announced operating dates before planning a winter trip or travel in the following year.
This is a list of nonstop destinations from Hong Kong. If Cathay's website shows other European or African cities, check whether the itinerary includes a connection and which airline operates the flights. You cannot automatically apply this chart to those itineraries.
Calculating a London return trip or Business to South Africa
For a return trip in the same cabin, estimate using “miles per person one-way × 2 × number of travellers”:
- Two people, London return in Economy: 27,000 × 2 × 2 = 108,000 miles.
- One person, Johannesburg return in Business: 91,000 × 2 = 182,000 miles.
If the outbound and return cabins differ, calculate each leg separately. For example, one person flying to London in Economy and returning in Premium Economy would need a reference total of 27,000 + 52,000 = 79,000 miles. These calculations cover miles only; taxes, surcharges and other applicable fees are extra.
Choosing between destinations in the same band
The European cities listed share the same Standard Award references. Start with the cities you want to visit, transport from the arrival airport and your accommodation plans, then compare dates with available awards. For a trip covering several cities, include travel time and transport costs between them so that fitting around award seats does not make the itinerary too rushed.
Enter the full number of travellers and check both outbound and return flights. Cash tickets being on sale does not mean the same flight has enough award seats. Once you have checked the taxes and fees, compare cash tickets for the same dates, cabin and itinerary.
When you are ready to redeem, sign in through Cathay's flight redemption page to check the actual miles and seats available.
Build miles for Europe or South Africa with your monthly rent
Planning a trip to Europe or South Africa? Set a miles target based on your destination, cabin and number of travellers. With a credit card that earns Asia Miles or rewards convertible to Asia Miles, eligible rent payments through RentSmart may earn miles under the card's applicable reward terms, making your regular monthly spending part of your travel preparation.
