A view from a Cathy Pacific Jet which see another Cathay Pacific Jet Park in Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China. 23 May 2019

Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific has fueled new privacy concerns after revealing that it monitors passengers via onboard cameras.

The footage, captured via CCTV cameras located in its airplanes, is intended for "security purposes," according to Cathay.

The airline announced in an updated privacy policy, published at the end of July, that it has been collecting footage of passengers whilst on board and recording their use of its in-flight entertainment system.

"In line with standard practice and to protect our customers and frontline staff, there are CCTV cameras installed in our airport lounges and onboard aircraft for security purposes," Cathay Pacific said in a statement seen by The Independent.

Cathay told CNBC there is only one camera onboard each aircraft located near the cockpit door for security purposes.

"There are no CCTV cameras installed in the lavatories," the airline added.

The announcement comes months after it was revealed that multiple airlines have cameras installed in their in-flight entertainment systems (IFEs). American Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Emirates said at the time that they had no plans to activate their cameras.