Hong Kong Airlines Soars Back into Long-Haul with New and Resumed Routes

Hong Kong Airlines is making a significant comeback on the international stage, resuming and launching new long-haul routes as part of its post-COVID recovery strategy. Here’s a comprehensive look at the airline’s latest additions to its route map, including flights to Gold Coast, Vancouver, and Male.

Gold Coast (OOL) – A Seasonal Comeback

First Day of Operation: January 17, 2025

Flight Schedule:

• From Hong Kong (HKG) to Gold Coast (OOL):
  • Four flights weekly, marking a seasonal service for the Chinese Lunar New Year.
  • Departures on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 22:22 from HKG, arriving at OOL at 08:39 the next day.
• Return from Gold Coast to Hong Kong:
  • Departures the day after each outbound flight at 11:38 from OOL, arriving at HKG at 18:35.

This route signifies Hong Kong Airlines’ first step back into the long-haul market, offering 6,000 seats over its five-week operation from January 17 to February 15, 2025, on Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft.

Vancouver (YVR) – Reconnecting with North America

First Day of Operation: January 18, 2025

Flight Schedule:

• From Hong Kong (HKG) to Vancouver (YVR):
  • Twice weekly service on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
  • Departures at 10:10 pm on Tuesdays, arriving at 6:10 pm the same day, and at 11:50 pm on Saturdays, arriving at 7:50 pm.
• Return from Vancouver to Hong Kong:
  • Flights leave on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1:50 am from YVR, arriving at HKG at 7:00 am local time.

This route not only revives Hong Kong Airlines’ connection to North America but also hints at further expansions to cities like Los Angeles, Seattle, and Toronto. The flights utilize the Airbus A330-300, providing a two-class configuration for passengers.

Male (MLE) – Maldives Magic

Resumed Flights to Paradise:

Operational Schedule:

• From Hong Kong (HKG) to Male (MLE):
  • Flights operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
  • Departure from HKG at 15:40, arriving in MLE at 19:35.
• Return from Male to Hong Kong:
  • Departure from MLE at 21:20, arriving in HKG at 06:35 the next day.

Aircraft: An Airbus A330-300 services this route, offering both business and economy class. This resumed service provides direct access to the Maldives, known for its stunning beaches and luxury resorts, making Hong Kong Airlines the local carrier with the most direct flights to this tropical haven.

A Strategic Expansion

Hong Kong Airlines’ approach to resuming long-haul flights involves not just re-establishing connections but also expanding its fleet to support this growth. The airline’s strategy includes acquiring more wide-body aircraft to cater to the increasing demand for international travel.

With these new routes, Hong Kong Airlines aims to reconnect passengers with some of the world’s most sought-after destinations, emphasizing comfort, service quality, and the vibrant cultural link between Hong Kong and these cities. Whether it’s the sun-kissed beaches of the Gold Coast, the bustling streets of Vancouver, or the tropical paradise of the Maldives, Hong Kong Airlines is once again making these dreams accessible by air.

Note: All flight schedules and operations are subject to change, and travelers are advised to check directly with Hong Kong Airlines for the latest updates.