Aero Nomad Airlines
This listing corresponds to Cathay Dragon, a former Hong Kong full-service regional airline that connected its Hong Kong hub with an extensive Asian network before ceasing operations in 2020.
About Aero Nomad Airlines
The identifiers and network in this entry belong to Cathay Dragon, not the current Kyrgyz carrier Aero Nomad Airlines. Founded in 1985 as Dragonair, the Hong Kong airline became wholly owned by Cathay Pacific in 2006 and adopted the Cathay Dragon name in 2016. It operated as the group's regional full-service carrier until October 2020, when Cathay Pacific discontinued the brand and absorbed selected services into its own network.
Hong Kong International Airport was Cathay Dragon's primary hub and the centre of a network spanning 38 destinations in 14 countries through 88 routes. Mainland China formed a particularly important part of its schedule, with Shanghai, Chongqing and Chengdu among its busiest departure points. Other notable destinations included Beijing, Taipei, Kathmandu, Bengaluru, Busan, Kota Kinabalu and Bandar Seri Begawan, giving the airline broad coverage across East, Southeast and South Asia.
Aircraft recorded across the airline's history included Airbus A320, A321, A330 and A340 variants, alongside Boeing 737, 747 and 777 types. Its later scheduled passenger operation was principally associated with Airbus narrow-body and wide-body aircraft. As a full-service airline, Cathay Dragon offered Economy Class and Business Class, while selected Airbus A330 services also featured First Class. Cabin layouts and onboard amenities varied by aircraft and route.
Cathay Dragon participated in Oneworld as an affiliate of Cathay Pacific, extending selected alliance benefits to eligible travellers. Its passengers could use Cathay Pacific's loyalty ecosystem, including the Marco Polo Club for status recognition and Asia Miles for earning and redeeming rewards. Because Cathay Dragon no longer operates, former programme members now manage their accounts and benefits through Cathay, the membership programme used by Cathay Pacific.
Cathay Dragon's main strength was its dense regional network, particularly the extensive links it provided between Hong Kong and mainland Chinese cities. Its integration with Cathay Pacific also supported connections between regional flights and the parent airline's long-haul services. The key limitation for present-day travellers is decisive: Cathay Dragon ceased flying in 2020, so any current search result using its former KA code, Dragonair website or historic schedule should be checked against the operating carrier shown on the ticket.
Good to know
Flying with Aero Nomad Airlines — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operates
Cathay Dragon ceased operations in October 2020. Current itineraries cannot be booked or flown under the former airline, even if historic listings still display its name or KA code.
Check Operating Carrier
Some former Cathay Dragon routes were transferred to other Cathay group operations. Verify the current operating carrier, flight number and baggage rules rather than relying on an old Dragonair itinerary.
Historic Full Service
Cathay Dragon operated as a full-service regional airline, with Economy and Business cabins and First Class on selected aircraft. Products varied according to route and aircraft configuration.
Hong Kong Connections
Hong Kong International Airport was the airline's principal connecting hub. Historic schedules were designed to connect regional Asian services with Cathay Pacific's wider international network.
Loyalty Accounts Continue
Cathay Dragon used Cathay Pacific's loyalty ecosystem, including Asia Miles and the former Marco Polo Club. Existing rewards and membership enquiries should be handled through Cathay's current channels.
Network overview
Where Aero Nomad Airlines flies
Aero Nomad Airlines operates 88 routes to 38 destinations across 14 countries, its longest sector reaching Bengaluru to Hong Kong (3,957 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Aero Nomad Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Bengaluru → Hong Kong
3,957 km · BLR → HKG
The longest sector in the Aero Nomad Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Aero Nomad Airlines
Notable destinations on Aero Nomad Airlines's network.
KAHong KongdirectKAShanghaidirectKABeijingdirectKAChengdudirectKAChongqingdirectKAKathmandudirectKAKota KinabaludirectKATaipeidirectKABandar Seri BegawandirectKABengalurudirectKABusandirectKAChangshadirectDestination list is indicative of Aero Nomad Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from Hong Kong
Other airlines based in Hong Kong
FAQ
Aero Nomad Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The airline represented by these identifiers and routes was Cathay Dragon, whose primary hub was Hong Kong International Airport. Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu, Chongqing and Chengdu were also among its busiest departure points.
- Hong Kong was the busiest departure hub, followed by Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu, Chongqing and Chengdu. These airports refer to the Cathay Dragon network represented by the supplied airline identifiers.
- Cathay Dragon tickets are no longer sold because the airline ceased operations in 2020. For flights on alternative carriers, comparing flexible dates and avoiding peak holiday periods may reveal lower fares.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Cathay Dragon no longer operates, current results would be for available services offered by other operating airlines.
- The longest route in the Cathay Dragon network represented here was Bengaluru to Hong Kong, about 3,957 km nonstop.
- This entry reflects Cathay Dragon's former network, which included Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Kathmandu, Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, Bandar Seri Begawan, Bengaluru, Busan and Changsha. Cathay Dragon ceased operations in 2020, so these are historical rather than currently bookable services.
- Cathay Dragon no longer operates, so it has no current carry-on allowance. Travellers on successor or alternative services should follow the baggage limits published by the airline operating their flight.
- The Cathay Dragon network represented here served exactly 38 destinations across 14 countries and comprised 88 routes. The airline ceased operations in 2020.