Hong Kong Airlines is going to continue expanding its international network with the launch of a new direct flight service to Melbourne, Australia as of 12 December 2025. This new three times a week route is a significant expansion for the airline delivering even more choice and convenience for travellers flying to one of Australia’s most exciting destinations.

To celebrate this momentous milestone, Hong Kong Airlines held a special signing ceremony at Melbourne Airport. The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives from Hong Kong Airlines, Melbourne Airport, and the Victorian Government. This new route reflects both Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment to offering enhanced services and Melbourne’s growing appeal as a crucial gateway for international tourists and business travelers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Hong Kong Airlines President Mr Jeff Sun, said: “This has been a year of significant progress for our Australian market strategy. Following the resumption of our Gold Coast service in January and the launch of our Sydney route in June, we are delighted to add Melbourne as another key destination within just six months. This establishes Hong Kong Airlines as the second local carrier to offer direct flights to Australia’s major cities and marks 2025 as a crucial milestone in our international transformation.”

“This new service will not only provide passengers a competitive and high-quality travel option but will also cater to the diverse needs of business and leisure travellers, further deepening the trade, cultural, and tourism ties between Hong Kong and Melbourne. The launch of this service was made possible by the proactive support of the government from both cities. Looking ahead, we will leverage the enhanced capacity of Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System to open up more attractive new destinations for our passengers.”

Convenient and Flexible Flight Schedule

The new Hong Kong Airlines flight to Melbourne will be operated by the advanced Airbus A330, a wide-body aircraft known for its comfort and efficiency. The aircraft is configured to offer both Business and Economy Class seating, catering to the varying needs of travelers, from those seeking a premium experience to those looking for cost-effective options.

The flight schedule has been carefully timed to ensure maximum convenience for passengers traveling from Melbourne and beyond. With three flights per week, the schedule is designed to offer passengers flexibility and seamless connectivity through Hong Kong’s major hub. For those departing from Melbourne, the flight allows easy connections to a variety of popular destinations across Asia, North America, and beyond. Passengers can take advantage of convenient transfers to cities such as Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, and Osaka, all reachable through a single stop in Hong Kong.

Equally, travelers from various cities in Asia, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Haikou, Sanya, and Fukuoka, can benefit from the same streamlined service. With Hong Kong serving as a key transit point, passengers can easily connect to Melbourne, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. This will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike, who value efficiency and comfort when traveling to Australia.

Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus said the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines will provide more choice and greater capacity into one of Asia’s biggest international hubs. 

“The growth in our international market shows the importance of competition and choice, which is why we are so excited to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to the mix today.  Hong Kong is the fourth largest international market for us at Melbourne Airport so I expect there will be strong demand for this service.”

“The aviation landscape is highly competitive and without the work of the Federal Government to expand bilateral air traffic rights along with the great support of the state government and Visit Victoria, we wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Hong Kong Airlines’ Commitment to Service Excellence

As Hong Kong’s premier full-service carrier, Hong Kong Airlines has consistently worked towards enhancing its passenger experience. With a broad route network now extending to over 30 destinations worldwide, the airline has become a major player in international travel. The airline’s commitment to excellence is evident in its thoughtfully designed in-flight services, which include comfortable seating, a carefully curated selection of in-flight dining options, and world-class entertainment.

Passengers traveling in Business Class can expect a luxurious experience with spacious seating, gourmet dining options, and personalized service, while Economy Class passengers will enjoy ample legroom and high-quality amenities. Whether traveling for business or leisure, Hong Kong Airlines aims to create a comfortable and enjoyable journey for all passengers.

In addition to the physical aspects of travel, Hong Kong Airlines is renowned for its attentive and friendly service. The airline’s crew is trained to ensure passengers feel valued and well-cared-for throughout their flight, embodying the company’s commitment to providing a premium travel experience.

Strengthening Hong Kong and Melbourne’s Growing Partnership

The introduction of the direct flight to Melbourne is a strategic move for Hong Kong Airlines, as it strengthens the long-standing ties between Hong Kong and Australia. Melbourne, being one of Australia’s leading business, cultural, and tourism hubs, plays a vital role in fostering international trade and tourism. The addition of this new route will cater to the increasing demand for direct flights between Hong Kong and Australia, further cementing the relationship between these two key global players.

In recent years, Melbourne has seen a steady rise in international tourism and investment. With its diverse cultural scene, thriving economy, and strong international connections, Melbourne continues to attract visitors from around the world. Hong Kong Airlines’ new route is poised to capitalize on this growth, offering Melbourne-based travelers greater accessibility to destinations across Asia, North America, and beyond.

Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs at the Victorian Government Danny Pearson, stated: “More flights mean more tourists delivering a stronger economy and more jobs for Victorians – from tour operators to hospitality staff and hotel workers. The additional flights will also increase air freight capacity for Victorian exporters sending their products and produce to Asia.”

Likewise, travelers from Hong Kong and other parts of Asia will benefit from more direct access to Melbourne, a city renowned for its vibrant arts scene, world-class shopping, and diverse dining options. The new route is expected to foster greater exchange between the two regions, whether for business, tourism, or cultural connections.

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Melbourne is as follows (All times local): 

Looking Ahead

The launch of services to Melbourne, on the other hand, is a reflection of the rapid development and expansion of Hong Kong Airlines, in order to offer more destinations, better services, and more choice to visitors around the world. The airline is also working on new routes and upgrading its services as part of its continued enhancement of its services to its customers.

For people who are looking to travel to Melbourne or who are using Hong Kong as a transfer point in order to visit more adventure-filled locations, Hong Kong Airlines offers quality, convenience and first-class service. With its new service coming on stream, the carrier is well poised to further entrench its position as a key international airline.

As we head into the holiday period and with signs of international travel returning, the new route provides a great way to experience what both Hong Kong and Melbourne have to offer and directly link two vibrant destinations.