Hong Kong Airlines has marked its return to Australia’s Gold Coast, becoming the first local carrier to reinstate this eagerly awaited route after several years. The seasonal service operates from January 17 to February 15, 2025, with four weekly flights, aligning perfectly with the bustling travel season of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The flights are operated using an A330 wide-body aircraft, offering both business and economy-class seating, ensuring a comfortable journey for travelers seeking to experience the Gold Coast’s vibrant allure.

A Festive Launch Celebration

To celebrate the inaugural flight, Hong Kong Airlines hosted a lively ceremony at the boarding gate. The event was graced by Hong Kong Airlines President Mr. Jeff Sun, alongside representatives from Gold Coast and Queensland Airports, and senior officials from the Airport Authority Hong Kong. Passengers were warmly welcomed, with the airline presenting exclusive gifts to commemorate the special occasion.

A Grand Arrival at the Gold Coast

Flight HX015 touched down at Gold Coast Airport at 8:55 AM local time, greeted by a jubilant atmosphere. To honor the occasion, the airport arranged a traditional lion dance performance, bringing an authentic cultural touch to the festivities and adding to the excitement of the flight’s return.

The seasonal route underscores Hong Kong Airlines’ commitment to expanding connectivity and catering to the rising demand for travel between Hong Kong and Australia. With the relaunch, the airline offers passengers an exceptional opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most iconic destinations during the holiday season.

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Mr Yan Bo stated, “We are delighted to have a full flight of passengers on our first voyage, with around 300 travellers coming to experience Queensland’s warm climate and exciting tourist activities. We also look forward to welcoming visitors from the Gold Coast and the Queensland region to Hong Kong during our operation period, inviting them to immerse in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations and enjoy authentic Hong Kong cuisine.”

Hong Kong Airlines President and Captain Mr Sun joined the cockpit crew to pilot the first flight, he stated, “As one of Hong Kong’s leading full-service airlines, Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing high-quality, comprehensive services, including flexible baggage allowance options, complimentary inflight meals, and comfortable seats, to ensure that every passenger can enjoy a pleasant journey.”

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Ms Amelia Evans said, “We’re delighted to welcome Hong Kong Airlines’ guests to our beautiful city of Gold Coast and can’t wait for them to experience the best of an Australian summer across the whole region. We hope this connection with Hong Kong will pave the way for longer-term services across our key markets in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and Mainland China.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell stated, “This influx from Hong Kong over the Lunar New Year period is an exciting opportunity for Gold Coast, supporting local jobs and the economy.”

Tourism and Events Queensland’s (TEQ) Ollie Philpot helped mark the milestone arrival. He commented, “TEQ has worked closely with Hong Kong Airlines and partners including Experience Gold Coast to put the Gold Coast up in lights in Hong Kong and Mainland China to drive demand for these flights and the destination.”

Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates expressed her enthusiasm for the return of this vital service after a six-year hiatus, highlighting its positive impact on the region’s connectivity and economy.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn emphasized that the resumption of Hong Kong Airlines’ flights represents a crucial milestone for the Gold Coast’s tourism industry, reinforcing its appeal as a premier destination for international travelers.

“China is a hugely important source market for the Gold Coast, so we are thrilled to see Hong Kong Airlines’ services lift off again,” 

The return of the Gold Coast route signifies Hong Kong Airlines’ reentry into the long-haul market, marking a key milestone in its strategic growth. The airline is steadily expanding its fleet to facilitate a phased network expansion, with plans to introduce additional routes within Australia and reestablish its presence in the North American market. Beyond Vancouver, the airline is actively exploring opportunities to extend its services to Los Angeles, Seattle, and Toronto, aiming to provide passengers with a broader array of international travel options.

The Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* for the route between Hong Kong and the Gold Coast is as follows (all times listed are local):

Here is the flight schedule presented in a table format:

The post Hong Kong Airlines Revives the Hong Kong–Gold Coast Route in Australia, Offering Seasonal Flights for Chinese Lunar New Year Festivities appeared first on Travel And Tour World.