Cathay Pacific, a oneworld alliance member, is the de facto flag carrier of Hong Kong. Known for its quality service, the carrier recently launched its new flagship business suite Aria, a modern product that ensures Cathay retains its high standing in the aviation world.
On the ground, Cathay’s lounges are also very highly regarded, but is the airline also moving with the times? I had the opportunity to explore its lounge collection in February 2025, where I discovered a clear differentiation of the spaces.
Cathay Pacific has a grand total of five lounges at its Hong Kong base, of which three are business class lounges. These are The Deck, The Wing, and The Pier.
The Deck
This business class lounge was originally the Dragonair/Cathay Dragon lounge. It is a classic Cathay space with dark woods, leather, and green carpeting.
The lounge itself is quite compact but well utilised. Expect comfortable seating, a noodle bar with a seating area, and a large, open air terrace surrounding it on two sides. The outdoor area features café-style seating and garden furniture, giving it a very relaxed and calming feel.
The Deck has a really chill vibe to it. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
As I had a marathon of lounges to visit before my flight (oh, how I suffer), I decided to eat sparingly, but I did try out the noodle bar.
This lounge has a lot more vegetarian options than the London lounge I am used to. The lotus seed bun was the absolute standout for me! Overall, the outside space was a fantastic place to eat a warm meal but also feel fresh after a hectic day in Hong Kong.
The Champagne was Drappier Carte d’Or, which was crisp. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The drinks were self service. I also appreciated that unique cocktail and mocktail recipes were suggested at drinks stations, providing a welcome flavour of Hong Kong.
I did not attempt to make one myself, but I loved the idea of a canapé hour. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Overall, this lounge was a really fun place to hang out.
The Wing
The Wing is a combination of first and business class, with first occupying one side of the space and business the other.
The lounge is rather exposed to the elements and is remarkably different to other Cathay spaces, featuring modernist seating and fixtures in oranges, creams and greys. Whilst it retains a reworked version of the noodle bar concept — with a very Scandinavian wood and leather minimalist design — it also offers a western-style buffet and a coffee “loft.”
I started at the loft, and was served a lovely decaf coffee by the barista. Seating at the loft is very functional but the lounge provides comfortable seating elsewhere.
The Noodle Bar signature in this lounge is sleek and modern. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
I tried out the western options, opting for the penne Arrabiata, which admittedly didn’t look appetising on the plate. However, it was very well cooked, not floppy, and was hot and spicy. The only critique here is that the buffet did not offer full-sized napkins, which would have helped when eating the pasta.
It tasted a lot better than it looked. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
This space also includes some individual pod seating with green leather in a zany space-age design. The seats looked like an attractive proposition, but the leather was unfortunately very worn in spots. It was also not high enough for this 6’4 (193cm) reporter to feel any sense of coziness.
I understand that The Wing first lounge is about to be renovated. Perhaps Cathay can reupholster these seats at the same time. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Overall, though, the airy and sleek atmosphere made it a calm space, which feels like a rare thing at an airport.
I really loved the atmosphere in this lounge. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The Pier
I ended my business class tour with The Pier, Cathay’s seemingly signature lounge underneath the terminal walkway. The facility starts with large dining areas, with windows along one side looking onto the apron. It is a lovely spot for watching the airport activity. These seats also offer USB-A and USB-C power points which are a very welcome addition.
I entered the relaxation room, which features sofas and day beds in a brown palette, and low lighting. It was a perfect space for getting some rest, as it is located far away from the hustle of the dining area. Closer to the entrance, I found the shower area which is much like a spa, including spa-like seating, a very nice touch.
The tea room felt very authentic. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
I returned to the main dining area where the signature noodle bar and Asian food self-service buffet can be found. This is quintessential Cathay, though the dried food ingredients as decoration felt very passé.
This reminded me of the wine walls in British Airways’ lounges. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
The dining room is split up into different areas. In addition to the noodle bar, there is a drinks bar where bartenders serve up the classics. In another part of the space, passengers will find western items including pizza served by the slice. This was a very nice surprise for me. I enjoyed a couple of slices of the Margherita pizza.
The pizza buffet is a lovely touch. Image: Fintan Horan-Stear
Off to one side I found the workspace. Known as The Bureau, it has the lovely green cube chairs that I have grown to love in Cathay lounges. Though it has low lighting, it still feels bright enough.
Overall, this lounge is a true delight. It is huge, but one can find intimate nooks. The atmospheric lighting really helps to set the mood. I would have loved to spend another couple of hours exploring The Pier and enjoying the tea menu.
Fintan was a guest of Cathay Pacific, but all opinions are his own.
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All limages credited to Fintan Horan-Stear
