Hong Kong Airlines is set to expand its Australian footprint with the launch of a new direct service to Melbourne starting 12 December 2025. The thrice-weekly flights will enhance connectivity between Hong Kong and Victoria, offering travellers greater flexibility and strengthening bilateral ties across tourism, trade, and culture.
The airline commemorated the announcement with a signing ceremony at Melbourne Airport, attended by senior officials from Hong Kong Airlines, Melbourne Airport, and the Victorian Government.
Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, highlighted the significance of the new route in the carrier’s broader Australia strategy. “This has been a year of significant progress for our Australian market. Following the return of our Gold Coast service in January and the launch of Sydney flights in June, we are proud to add Melbourne as a key destination within just six months,” he said. “This positions Hong Kong Airlines as the second local carrier offering direct connections to Australia’s major cities and marks a pivotal moment in our international transformation.”
Sun added that the Melbourne service underscores the airline’s commitment to providing competitive, high-quality travel experiences tailored to both business and leisure passengers. “The new route will help deepen trade, tourism, and cultural connections between Hong Kong and Melbourne. Its launch is a result of strong support from both city governments, and we aim to continue expanding with the enhanced capabilities of the Hong Kong International Airport’s Three-Runway System.”
Melbourne Airport CEO Lorie Argus welcomed the announcement, noting that the new service would provide greater choice for travellers and boost capacity to a key Asian market. “Hong Kong is Melbourne Airport’s fourth-largest international market, and we expect strong demand for this new route,” Argus said. “In today’s highly competitive aviation landscape, this addition reflects the importance of cooperation between the Federal Government, the Victorian Government, and tourism authorities like Visit Victoria.”
Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, Danny Pearson, also praised the development. “More flights mean more visitors, a stronger economy, and more jobs for Victorians—whether in tourism, hospitality, or freight logistics,” he said. “This route will also enhance air freight capacity for Victorian exporters looking to reach Asian markets.”
The service will be operated by Airbus A330 aircraft and timed to enable smooth onward connections via Hong Kong to popular destinations including Tokyo, Osaka, Vancouver, Bali, and others. It will also facilitate efficient inbound travel from key Asian cities such as Shanghai, Fukuoka, and Hangzhou to Melbourne via Hong Kong.
As a full-service carrier, Hong Kong Airlines currently serves over 30 destinations globally and continues to invest in enhancing its onboard product, which includes Business and Economy Class seating, curated in-flight dining, and personalised service.
With the Melbourne route launch, Hong Kong Airlines solidifies its position as a growing force in the Asia-Pacific travel landscape while reinforcing its commitment to international expansion and service excellence.
Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Melbourne is as follows (All times local):
| Route | Flight Number | Departure | Arrival | Frequency |
| HKG – MEL | HX013 | 23:10 | 11:30+1 | Mon, Wed, Fri |
| MEL – HKG | HX014 | 13:00 | 19:20 | Tues, Thurs, Sat |
