Melbourne Airport has welcomed its 41st carrier with Hong Kong Airlines launching flights to Australia’s largest 24-hour international gateway this morning.
Flight HK013 was welcomed by a water cannon salute from the Aviation Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, when it touched down in Melbourne this morning.
The new service is operated by an Airbus A330 and will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Melbourne, adding more than 93,000 seats annually on what is already Melbourne’s fourth busiest route behind Singapore, Auckland and Denpasar.
Hong Kong Airlines decision to commence flights to Melbourne comes thanks to the recent expansion of bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia.
The arrival of Hong Kong Airlines follows the busiest November of all time for international travel at Melbourne Airport with a total of 1,017,435 international passengers across the month, up 6.9 per cent on November last year.
Melbourne Airport Chief of Aviation Jim Parashos said today’s inaugural flight highlights the direct impact expanded bilateral agreements can have on the market and the benefits they bring consumers.
“We’re proud to welcome Hong Kong Airlines as Melbourne Airport’s 41st carrier and in doing so opening up new options for travellers and exporters into one of Asia’s most exciting regions.
“The recent expansion of bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia by the Federal Government played a key role in bringing this service to Melbourne which will contribute millions of dollars to the local economy.
“There are now more airline groups flying between Melbourne and Hong Kong than there are flying most Australian domestic routes, so it’s no surprise that consumers are making the most of the increased choice to head overseas or to come and explore Australia.”
Hong Kong Airlines Chairman of the Board of Directors Mr Tony Ma said he was delighted to launch the service into Melbourne.
“This service not only strengthens our international network coverage but also enriches the long-haul travel options available for our customers,” he said.
“We are honoured to operate this route with our Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, further deepening exchanges between two of the world's most vibrant cities and promoting connectivity between Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, the wider Asian region, and Australia.
“This was made possible through the concerted efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and Australian governments to expand the bilateral air services agreement, and the tremendous support from our industry partners in both cities.
“Melbourne is a city rich in tourism resources, featuring spectacular natural landscapes, world-class culinary culture, vibrant entertainment, and major international sporting events throughout the year. Its contrasting seasons to Hong Kong make it an ideal year-round holiday destination.”
Passenger figures for November 2025:
| Passengers | November 2025 | November 2024 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 1,017,435 | 951,595 | +6.9% |
| Domestic | 2,151,703 | 2,076,149 | +3.6% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 3,169,138 | 3,027,744 | +4.7% |
*Monthly percentage growth compared to November 2024
Passenger figures for Financial Year to November
| Passengers | Financial Year 2025/26 | Financial Year 2024/25 | Growth (%)* |
| International | 5,049,388 | 4,833,584 | +4.5% |
| Domestic | 10,657,841 | 10,261,138 | +3.9% |
| Total (excl. transits) | 15,707,229 | 15,094,722 | +4.1% |
*Percentage growth compared to FY 2024/25