Hong Kong Airlines marked a milestone in its post-pandemic rebuild on 13 December 2025, touching down in Melbourne to launch a new non-stop route linking the Asian financial hub with Australia’s second-largest city. Flight HX013 received a traditional water-cannon salute on arrival at Melbourne Tullamarine Airport, which welcomed the carrier as its 41st international airline.
Operated by Airbus A330 aircraft three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday outbound from Melbourne; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Hong Kong), the service adds more than 93,000 annual seats on a corridor already ranked Melbourne’s fourth-busiest. The expansion was enabled by a recent increase in bilateral air-services rights between Hong Kong and Australia, part of the SAR government’s strategy to rebuild its aviation hub status and deepen ties with the wider Asia-Pacific region.
For global mobility teams, the route provides an additional connectivity option for relocating staff, fly-in/fly-out project workers and university students moving between the two cities. The overnight timing of the HKG–MEL leg is tailored for business travellers, allowing same-day onward connections through Hong Kong International Airport to mainland Chinese and Southeast Asian destinations. Cargo capacity in the A330’s belly hold also boosts supply-chain resilience for companies shipping high-value goods.
![Hong Kong Airlines inaugurates thrice-weekly Hong Kong–Melbourne service, adding 93,000 seats a year]()
Whether you’re a corporate mobility manager or an independent traveller, staying on top of visa requirements can be a headache. VisaHQ simplifies the process by offering online applications for Australian eVisitor visas, work permits and Hong Kong entry permits in a single, secure dashboard—complete with real-time tracking and dedicated support. Explore how the service can smooth your next trip at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/.
Melbourne Airport executives highlighted the economic upside, noting November 2025 was already its busiest month on record for international traffic. Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Tony Ma said the route “deepens exchanges between two vibrant cities” and underlines confidence in Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. Companies with regional headquarters in Hong Kong can expect airfare competition to sharpen on the Australia lane, potentially reducing travel budgets.
Travel-management stakeholders should watch load-factor trends closely; if demand proves robust, analysts anticipate frequency increases or code-share deals with Oneworld partners. Meanwhile, assignees must ensure they carry valid Australian eVisitor or work visas, as border authorities maintain strict checks on onward itineraries and proof of funds.
Operated by Airbus A330 aircraft three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday outbound from Melbourne; Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Hong Kong), the service adds more than 93,000 annual seats on a corridor already ranked Melbourne’s fourth-busiest. The expansion was enabled by a recent increase in bilateral air-services rights between Hong Kong and Australia, part of the SAR government’s strategy to rebuild its aviation hub status and deepen ties with the wider Asia-Pacific region.
For global mobility teams, the route provides an additional connectivity option for relocating staff, fly-in/fly-out project workers and university students moving between the two cities. The overnight timing of the HKG–MEL leg is tailored for business travellers, allowing same-day onward connections through Hong Kong International Airport to mainland Chinese and Southeast Asian destinations. Cargo capacity in the A330’s belly hold also boosts supply-chain resilience for companies shipping high-value goods.
Whether you’re a corporate mobility manager or an independent traveller, staying on top of visa requirements can be a headache. VisaHQ simplifies the process by offering online applications for Australian eVisitor visas, work permits and Hong Kong entry permits in a single, secure dashboard—complete with real-time tracking and dedicated support. Explore how the service can smooth your next trip at https://www.visahq.com/hong-kong/.
Melbourne Airport executives highlighted the economic upside, noting November 2025 was already its busiest month on record for international traffic. Hong Kong Airlines Chairman Tony Ma said the route “deepens exchanges between two vibrant cities” and underlines confidence in Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area. Companies with regional headquarters in Hong Kong can expect airfare competition to sharpen on the Australia lane, potentially reducing travel budgets.
Travel-management stakeholders should watch load-factor trends closely; if demand proves robust, analysts anticipate frequency increases or code-share deals with Oneworld partners. Meanwhile, assignees must ensure they carry valid Australian eVisitor or work visas, as border authorities maintain strict checks on onward itineraries and proof of funds.
