Gold Coast Airport is set to welcome its first connection to Hong Kong in six years, as Hong Kong Airlines launches seasonal services to the city.

The service will run for five weeks over the Chinese Lunar New Year period, delivering approximately 6,000 inbound seats to the Gold Coast.

The new route marks Hong Kong Airlines’ first Australian connection to resume since Covid and will operate four-times a week from 17 January 2025 to 15 February2025.

The services have been made possible with the support of the State Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF), Experience Gold Coast and City of Gold Coast.

Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans said the service would help elevate the Gold Coast as a destination of choice across key Asian markets.

“This will be our first direct connection to Greater China since 2018,” Ms Evans said.

“We are hopeful the seasonal service will elevate the Gold Coast as a destination of choice in our key markets of Hong Kong and mainland China, and if successful, will translate into longer-term services.

“China has always been a critical visitor market for the Gold Coast and Queensland more broadly, so reconnecting to Hong Kong marks a positive step forward in our international recovery journey.”

Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Jeff Sun stated, “We are delighted to be the first Hong Kong carrier to bring back this much-anticipated Australia route for passengers.”

“The launch of the route will mark the start of our re-entry into the long-haul market and expand our network to provide passengers with more international and diverse travel options.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy said the services would provide a welcome boost to the local economy across the festive period.

“Gold Coast Airport’s first connection with Hong Kong in six years opens up South-East Queensland to even more Asian visitors, who we know love Queensland’s great lifestyle and world-class holiday experiences,” Minister Healy said.

“These seasonal, Lunar New Year flights to the Gold Coast will provide a real festive season boost for local tourism operators and hospitality providers and is critical in helping us build an $11 billion international visitor economy by the 2032 Games.”

“The Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has now secured 36 international routes and more than 2.28 million inbound international seats worth $2 billion in visitor spending each year.”

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said international connectivity was a key focus for the city.

“Tourism is in our city’s DNA so we look forward to welcoming visitors via Hong Kong Airlines back to the Gold Coast to experience everything we have to offer,” he said.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the new service would help bolster international visitation as the city continues to rebuild its visitation and spend out of key and emerging international markets like Greater China.

“The Hong Kong Airlines service announcement is welcome news for our tourism and business event industry, as well as the local economy more broadly,” Mr Warn said.

“Five years ago, China and Hong Kong visitor spend was worth $430.3 million to the Gold Coast economy, attracting more than 280,000 visitors a year. The market is still on the long road to recovery with $96.7 million, or 53,000 visitors, contributed to the Gold Coast economy in year ending March 2024.

“One of our key priorities is to grow connectivity and secure new airline partnerships so the Gold Coast can tap into new markets but also re-establish links with markets that are crucial for the resurgence of international visitation.” 

Tickets will go on sale via the Hong Kong Airlines Website from next week.