Hope after flights stop

AN international airline could resume Gold Coast services next year after it shocked city leaders by revealing it will suspend direct flights in October.

Hong Kong Airlines will stop its Gold Coast and Cairns services from October as a result of its “changing business strategy” in Australia’s market.

The airline, which began flying to the Gold Coast in 2016, will make its final trip to the city on October 27. The last of its three weekly flights bound for Hong Kong will depart on October 28.

The Bulletin understands parent company HNA ordered the move.

But all may not be lost, with well-placed tourism sources last night telling the Bulletin they believe the suspension of services was a temporary measure and could be lifted in 2019.

“There’s over-capacity from China into Australia and when that is apparent they may well re-establish,” a source said.

A State Government spokesman said: “Our government has a strong relationship with Hong Kong Airlines and we’ll continue to work with this carrier on more opportunities to improve flight access.”

The Coast axing news is months after it stepped up flights. In February, the airline doubled direct services with five extra trips, bringing 10,000 people for Chinese New Year.

Council events, tourism and governance committee chair Cr Bob La Castra said losing the link was “jaw dropping”.

“It’s very disappointing and I am surprised because my understanding is that it has been quite a success,” he said.

“When you look at the numbers of Chinese visitors and the work we are doing to build that relationship, we are kicking a lot of goals.

“Strategically I think they have made a mistake.”

Tourism Minister Kate Jones announced the service in mid-2015 after a deal for direct flights between the two ports.

Flights began in March 2016 and as of May, last year, were performing well, with the airline’s marketing boss saying they were at 70 per cent capacity. The airline says it will offer alternative arrangements for those who have booked flights after the service ends. These include:

• Free change to any destination by Hong Kong Airlines for travel within two weeks of original departure date.

• Free change of travel date to Gold Coast and Cairns before October 28, 2018.

• Free transfer to Gold Coast and Cairns flights operated by Virgin Australia or Hainan Airlines.

• Full refund to passengers who wish to cancel their trips.

The airline launches a new Sydney-Hong Kong service with Virgin Australia on July 2.