Hong Kong Airlines set to fly into Sydney from June, providing more competition on popular route

Competition on the busy Sydney-Hong Kong route is about to increase, giving travellers a third option.

In a further sign of the strength of the international aviation recovery, Hong Kong Airlines has announced plans to fly into Sydney from June in direct competition with Qantas and Cathay Pacific.

It will be the 52nd international airline to fly into Sydney Airport in a new record for Australia’s biggest gateway.

The daily flights will mean an increase in services on the route from five to six, and mark the first time that Hong Kong Airlines has flown into a capital city in Australia, having previously operated to Cairns and the Gold Coast.

Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton said the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines would cement the Chinese territory as the third-busiest route for the gateway, after Singapore and Auckland, with 850,000 passenger movements last year.

“This new daily service not only increases capacity but also provides passengers with more choice to explore one of Asia’s most vibrant cities,” said Mr Charlton.

“It will enhance opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Sydney and Hong Kong, and deliver significant economic benefits to New South Wales, and Australia.”

He said support from the NSW government and Destination NSW was “critical” to securing the new service to be operated by A330-300 aircraft with 30 flat bed seats in business, and 260 economy seats.

Mr Charlton also thanked the Albanese government for delivering an expansion of bilateral air rights between Australia and Hong Kong.

“The new services announced today are a direct consequence of these efforts and will boost trade, economic growth and job creation,” he said.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton with Hong Kong Airlines president Jeff Sun, to mark the start of a new daily service from June.

Transport Minister Catherine King, who denied Qatar Airways more flights in 2023, said the government was continuing to work to expand the international aviation network because “more flights means more competition, more choice and a better experience for Australian travellers”.

“Since coming to government, we’ve landed a record number of air services agreements with over a dozen international markets, including Hong Kong, Canada, Malaysia, Chile, Turkiye, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka,” said Ms King.

“We’re so pleased to see Sydney Airport leveraging Australia’s new bilateral air agreements – with Turkiye since November and now with Hong Kong.”

Hong Kong Airlines chairman Yan Bo said the new route would allow them to serve a broader range of international travellers, and was a “testament to the efforts of two governments to actively support more bilateral air rights”.

“This is an important milestone for Hong Kong Airlines,” said Mr Yan.

“We are honoured to extend our reach to Sydney, the country’s most iconic city.”

Sydney-Hong Kong was previously serviced by three carriers in 2019-20, when Virgin Australia operated its A330s to the city.

The flights were canned in March 2020 due to “declining demand associated with civil unrest in Hong Kong and growing concern over the coronavirus outbreak”.

Tourism Australia managing director Phillipa Harrison was hopeful the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines would drive increased visitation down under.

“When the new direct services begin in June, it will be easier than ever before for Hong Kong business and leisure travellers to visit Australia,” said Ms Harrison.

The flight to Sydney will leave Hong Kong at 10.25pm and arrive just before 10am the next day, while the return leg will depart at 11.30am and touch down at 7.15pm.

Originally published as Hong Kong Airlines set to fly into Sydney from June, providing more competition on popular route