In a monumental move poised to bolster Gold Coast’s tourism and economic landscape, Hong Kong Airlines has announced the resumption of its direct flights to Gold Coast Airport for the first time in six years. This eagerly anticipated connection will reopen a vital gateway to Greater China and inject fresh momentum into the region’s post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Reconnecting with a Key Market

From January 17 to February 15, 2025, Hong Kong Airlines will operate a limited-time, four-times-weekly service to coincide with the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities. This short-term but strategically significant operation is expected to deliver around 6,000 inbound passengers to Gold Coast, effectively re-establishing a critical link with one of Queensland’s most valuable international visitor markets.

This announcement is a landmark achievement facilitated by the State Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF) in collaboration with Experience Gold Coast and the City of Gold Coast. These strategic partnerships underscore the city’s commitment to enhancing its international connectivity and positioning itself as a prime destination for Asian tourists.

A Boost to the Local Economy

The return of the Hong Kong-Gold Coast route is expected to deliver far-reaching benefits, particularly during the festive season. Queensland Airports Limited Chief Executive Officer Amelia Evans emphasized the significance of this development in reinforcing the Gold Coast’s status as a premier destination for Asian travellers.

“This will be our first direct connection to Greater China since 2018,” Ms. Evans stated. “We are optimistic that the success of this seasonal service will not only heighten the appeal of the Gold Coast in our key Asian markets but also pave the way for more sustained, long-term services. China’s importance as a visitor market for both the Gold Coast and Queensland cannot be overstated, and this reconnection with Hong Kong is a significant milestone in our journey towards full international recovery.”

Strategic Vision and Future Growth

Hong Kong Airlines’ Chairman, Jeff Sun, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the broader implications of the route’s relaunch. “We are thrilled to be the first Hong Kong carrier to reinstate this much-awaited Australia route,” Mr. Sun said. “This marks the beginning of our re-entry into the long-haul market and aligns with our broader strategy to diversify our international offerings.”

The importance of this service extends beyond tourism. Queensland Tourism Minister Michael Healy pointed out the broader economic impact, noting that the flights would bring a substantial influx of Asian visitors to Southeast Queensland, many of whom are drawn by the region’s world-renowned lifestyle and holiday experiences.

“These Lunar New Year flights are a timely boost for local tourism operators and hospitality providers,” Minister Healy stated. “The Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has now successfully secured 36 international routes, contributing over 2.28 million inbound seats annually and generating an estimated $2 billion in visitor spending each year. This service is critical in helping us achieve our goal of an $11 billion international visitor economy by the time of the 2032 Games.”

Reinforcing Gold Coast’s Tourism Identity

City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate highlighted the intrinsic value of international connectivity in maintaining the city’s vibrant tourism sector. “Tourism is in our city’s DNA, and we eagerly await the arrival of visitors via Hong Kong Airlines,” Mayor Tate said. “The Gold Coast offers an unmatched array of experiences, and this connection will enable more international travellers to explore everything our city has to offer.”

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn also expressed optimism about the impact of the new route, particularly in terms of enhancing international visitation and revitalizing the city’s tourism economy. “The Hong Kong Airlines service is a game-changer for our tourism and business event sectors,” Mr. Warn noted. “Five years ago, the combined spend of visitors from China and Hong Kong contributed $430.3 million to the Gold Coast economy. Although the market has been slow to recover, this new service marks a significant step forward. It not only helps to reconnect us with a key market but also supports our broader goal of growing connectivity and securing new airline partnerships.”

A Step Towards Long-Term Recovery

The resumption of direct flights between Hong Kong and Gold Coast represents more than a new travel option—it symbolizes a significant stride in the region’s economic resurgence. As tickets for the seasonal service go on sale next week via the Hong Kong Airlines website, the anticipation is palpable among local businesses and tourism operators, eager to capitalize on this renewed international interest.

With the support of government initiatives and industry partnerships, the Gold Coast is bouncing back and strategically positioning itself for sustained growth and international acclaim. This critical re-establishment of connectivity with Greater China is just the beginning of a promising new chapter for the region, setting the stage for a future where the Gold Coast shines brighter than ever on the global tourism map.

Written by: Octavia Koo

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