Travel between Hong Kong 🇭🇰 and Australia 🇦🇺 will soon get a major boost as Hong Kong Airlines announces direct flights to Melbourne starting December 12, 2025. The airline will operate three weekly round-trip flights using the Airbus A330, adding over 93,000 seats per year and increasing competition on this busy route.
This new service marks the most significant change in Australia–Hong Kong aviation for 2025. Hong Kong Airlines President Jeff Sun Jianfeng says, “Melbourne is a key destination for us. With the new Hong Kong International Airport Three-Runway System, we can now expand and serve more travelers.” The airline’s recent launches to the Gold Coast in January and Sydney in June show its commitment to growing connections between Hong Kong and Australia.
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomes the move, noting, “Hong Kong is Melbourne’s fourth-largest international market. More flights mean more choice and better fares for travelers.” With Hong Kong Airlines becoming the 39th international carrier at Melbourne Airport, the city expects even more international arrivals. In the 2025 financial year, Melbourne Airport saw nearly 12 million international passengers, an 8.3% increase from the previous year.
Victorian Government Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Danny Pearson, highlights the benefits for the local economy: “More flights mean more tourists, a stronger economy, and more jobs for Victorians. Exporters will also gain from increased air freight capacity.” The launch is supported by the $7 million Visit Victoria Industry Partnerships Program, which matches industry investment to boost tourism and trade.
The new flights are possible thanks to expanded air traffic rights between Hong Kong 🇭🇰 and Australia 🇦🇺, showing strong cooperation between the two governments. Hong Kong Airlines is now the second local Hong Kong carrier, after Cathay Pacific, to offer direct flights to Australia’s major cities. This breaks the long-standing duopoly and is expected to lead to more competitive fares and better service for travelers.
For passengers, the Airbus A330 offers both Business and Economy Class, with lie-flat beds in business and full in-flight service. Fares are expected to be 20–50% lower than rivals, making travel more affordable. Hong Kong Airlines is also a Velocity Frequent Flyer partner, so members can redeem points and enjoy benefits like extra baggage and priority check-in.
The flight schedule is designed for easy connections through Hong Kong to cities such as Vancouver, Bali, Tokyo, and Osaka, as well as inbound links from mainland China cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou. This will help both tourists and business travelers reach more destinations quickly.
Tourism is set to grow, with 88,000 visitors from Hong Kong spending $241 million in Victoria in the year ending March 2025. This number is expected to rise by 67% to 148,300 visitors by 2029. Increased air freight will also help Victorian exporters reach Asian markets faster.
Tickets can be booked directly on the Hong Kong Airlines website. For more details about travel requirements, visit the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs page on visitor visas.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this expansion is expected to drive tourism, trade, and job growth, while giving travelers more options and better prices. Travelers and exporters alike should watch for further route announcements as Hong Kong Airlines continues to grow.
Learn Today
Airbus A330 → A wide-body aircraft used for long-haul flights offering high capacity and comfort.
Direct Flights → Nonstop air service between two cities without intermediate stops or transfers.
Three-Runway System → New expanded runway infrastructure at Hong Kong International Airport increasing flight capacity.
Velocity Frequent Flyer → Loyalty program allowing passengers to earn and redeem points with partner airlines.
Air Traffic Rights → Government-approved permissions allowing airlines to operate scheduled flights between countries.
This Article in a Nutshell
Hong Kong Airlines launches three weekly direct flights to Melbourne using Airbus A330 from December 2025. This route will increase competition, offer affordable fares, and strengthen tourism and trade ties between Hong Kong and Australia, supported by government investments and expanded air traffic rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
