At-a-glance comparison
| Attribute | Cathay Pacific | Singapore Airlines | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline category | Full-service | Full-service | Same category — direct comparison |
| Primary hub | HKG | SIN | Different hubs — pick the one closer to you |
| Fleet size (approx.) | 180+ aircraft | 140+ aircraft | Similar scale |
| Global alliance | oneworld | Star Alliance | Neither is in a global alliance |
| Founded | 1946 | 1947 | Cathay Pacific has the longer operating history |
| Aircraft types in fleet | A350, B777, A330 | A380, A350, B777, B787 | — |
About Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is Hong Kong's flag carrier. Serves Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad with connections to East Asia, Australia, and the Americas.
About Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is Singapore's flag carrier and one of the most awarded airlines globally. Star Alliance member serving 12+ Indian cities with connections to Asia-Pacific, Europe, Americas.
Fare structure: Economy Lite, Standard, Flexi; Premium Economy; Business; First
Who each airline suits
You want the cheapest possible fare
Suited to this: Either — compare same-day fares
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares; differences are usually ₹200-500 either way based on route and day.
Long-haul international with stopover
Suited to this: Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific operates wide-body aircraft (A350, B777) on long-haul. Singapore Airlines is also full-service.
Travelling with infant or family
Suited to this: Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific includes complimentary meals, generous baggage, free seat selection (sit-together) — material savings for a family. Singapore Airlines sells these add-ons separately, which can equal or exceed the headline price gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cathay Pacific cheaper than Singapore Airlines?
Both carriers are in the same fare class. Compare actual same-day fares on HappyFares — the difference on overlapping routes is usually under ₹500 either way. On HappyFares, the displayed price is the all-in price (no convenience fee) for either airline.
Which has the better frequent flyer programme?
Cathay Pacific's programme is part of oneworld — your miles transfer across 25+ partner airlines worldwide and earn elite status across the alliance. Singapore Airlines's programme is part of Star Alliance — same alliance-wide benefits. For frequent international travellers, alliance membership is the deciding factor.
Does Singapore Airlines have a business class?
Singapore Airlines's premium offering varies by route. Cathay Pacific has a full-service business class with lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
Which has better refund / cancellation policy — Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines?
Both follow DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) Section 3 Series M Part IV — the regulator-mandated framework is identical. For Cancel-for-Any-Reason refunds regardless of fare rules, HappyFares Smart Saver add-on covers either airline.
Does Cathay Pacific fly the same routes as Singapore Airlines?
Cathay Pacific's hub is HKG. Singapore Airlines's hub is SIN. Both serve major Indian metros, but their route networks differ — Cathay Pacific specialises in connections via HKG, and Singapore Airlines connects via SIN. Use HappyFares to see which airline operates your specific city pair.
Can I book both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines on HappyFares?
Yes. HappyFares lists fares from both Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines (along with every other major airline operating Indian routes). The same pricing applies to both: taxes included in the fare shown, zero convenience fee on domestic flights with code HFNCF, an itemised fare breakdown and no pre-ticked add-ons. Compare and book either carrier in the same booking flow.