William Scott
Sydney Airport has secured its second Hong Kong-based carrier, with Hong Kong Airlines set to launch its first daily flight between Hong Kong and Sydney on 20 June 2025.
This new service will increase daily flights between the two cities from five to six and boosts seat capacity on the route by nearly 20 percent, giving passengers more choice and convenience than ever before.
The arrival of Hong Kong Airlines follows the recent expansion of bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia, the first in nearly two decades. The expansion of traffic rights highlights the demand for travel on the already popular Hong Kong-Sydney route, further supported by Hong Kong International Airport’s increased capacity with its new third runway, which can now cater for 120 million passengers annually.
The historic connection between Sydney and Hong Kong dates back 75 years to 1949, when Qantas first launched a charter service on this route. Today, it remains one of Sydney Airport’s busiest, with more than 850,000 passengers flying between the two cities in 2024 – 72 per cent of pre-COVID levels – maintaining Hong Kong’s rank as Sydney’s third-busiest city route after Singapore and Auckland.
The arrival of Hong Kong Airlines increases the number of carriers operating at Sydney Airport to a record 52, with Sydney Airport set to be the airline’s first capital city destination in Australia.
Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton, said that the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines marks an important new chapter for Sydney Airport and strengthens the long-standing connection between Sydney and Hong Kong.
“This new daily service not only increases capacity but also provides passengers with more choice to explore one of Asia’s most vibrant cities,” Mr Charlton said.
“The arrival of Hong Kong Airlines will enhance opportunities for trade, tourism and cultural exchange between Sydney and Hong Kong, delivering significant economic benefits to New South Wales, and Australia.
“The support of the New South Wales government and Destination NSW was critical in securing this new service and it’s a great example of how our strong and productive partnership is delivering for Sydney and New South Wales.
“I would also like to thank and recognise the federal government for their recent work in delivering the expansion of bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia. The new services announced today are a direct consequence of these efforts and will boost trade, economic growth and job creation.”
Hong Kong Airlines Chairman, Yan Bo said that this is an important milestone for Hong Kong Airlines.
“In the past, we only operated flights to the Gold Coast and Cairns in Australia, offering passengers access to popular tourist hotspots in Queensland,” Mr Bo said.
“Now, we are honoured to extend our reach to Sydney, the country’s most iconic city. This new route will enable us to serve a broader range of international travellers and is also a testament to the efforts of the two governments to actively support more bilateral air traffic rights.
“We are committed to providing passengers with high-quality services and competitive prices, ensuring they have more diverse and convenient options for their travel plans.”
Hong Kong Airlines President, Jeff Sun, said that the three-runway system at Hong Kong International Airport has increased the capacity for additional flights, and with the support of the two governments and related organisations, Hong Kong Airlines is delighted to become the second Hong Kong-based airline to operate in Sydney.
“This new service will promote tourism, economic and cultural ties between Hong Kong and Australia. Sydney and Hong Kong have a rich shared history in aviation, and we are proud to be a part of this new chapter. Not only will it bring convenience to travellers, but it will also serve as a bridge connecting with our extensive mainland Chinese network.”
Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said that since coming to government, the state government 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.
“We’re so pleased to see Sydney Airport leveraging Australia’s new bilateral air agreements – with Turkiye since November and now with Hong Kong,” Ms King said,
“The federal government is working to expand our international aviation network, because more flights mean more competition, more choice and a better experience for Australian travellers.”
New South Wales Minister for Jobs and Tourism, John Graham, said that the government is excited to welcome Hong Kong Airlines to Sydney Airport.
“The New South Wales government is working to grow our visitor economy and boosting aviation capacity to key markets like Hong Kong will be critical in achieving that growth,” Mr Graham said.
“Hong Kong is a priority international market for Sydney, with incoming travellers contributing $290 million to the New South Wales visitor economy over the last year.”
Tourism Australia Managing Director, Phillipa Harrison, welcomed the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines as well.
“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,” Ms Harrison said.
“We hope these daily services will help to drive increased visitation, providing a further boost to our visitor economy.”
