Australia Elevates Its Global Connectivity as Hong Kong Airlines Launches Groundbreaking Long-Haul Melbourne Service Fueling Economic Growth and Expanding Travel Horizons

Published on December 15, 2025

Australia is taking a significant step in strengthening its global connectivity with the launch of Hong Kong Airlines’ new long-haul service to Melbourne. This groundbreaking route not only enhances travel options between two major economic hubs but also fuels economic growth by boosting tourism, trade, and business opportunities. The addition of this service underscores the growing demand for international connections to Australia, positioning Melbourne as a key gateway for travelers from East Asia and beyond, while reinforcing the city’s status as a major player in the global aviation landscape.

Melbourne has marked a significant development in its international air connectivity with the launch of Hong Kong Airlines’ (HX) new long-haul service to Melbourne Airport (MEL). This new route, officially inaugurated with flight HK013, enhances the airport’s status as a global hub, now hosting its 41st airline partner. The inaugural flight landed in Melbourne, receiving a ceremonial water cannon salute, signifying the airline’s first operation into Australia’s busiest 24-hour international airport.

Strengthening Links Between Australia and East Asia
This new connection between Melbourne and Hong Kong (HKG), one of East Asia’s foremost financial and aviation hubs, reflects the growing demand for international travel to Australia. It serves as a vital link between Victoria and the Greater Bay Area, which includes key cities like Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangzhou. The new service will operate three times weekly—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—adding over 93,000 seats annually to the Melbourne-Hong Kong route. With this addition, Hong Kong now ranks as the fourth-busiest international route at Melbourne Airport, following Singapore, Auckland, and Denpasar by passenger volume.

Enhancing Capacity and Bilateral Relations
The launch of this service follows an expansion in bilateral air traffic rights between Hong Kong and Australia, which allows airlines greater flexibility to increase capacity and introduce new services. This expansion plays a critical role in boosting competition on the Melbourne-Hong Kong route, benefiting passengers by providing more choices while enhancing trade and tourism. The new service is expected to contribute millions of dollars annually to Melbourne’s economy by supporting tourism, business travel, and the movement of freight.

Passenger Growth at Melbourne Airport
Melbourne Airport has been experiencing impressive growth in international passenger traffic. November marked the airport’s busiest month on record, with over one million international travelers passing through its terminals. The 6.9% year-on-year increase in international traffic highlights the steady recovery and resilience of Melbourne’s travel industry. Domestic traffic also saw a rise of 3.6%, while overall passenger movement grew by 4.7% compared to the previous year.

For the financial year to November, international passenger numbers surpassed five million, reflecting a 4.5% increase from the previous year. The growing demand for international travel offers a favorable environment for new airlines like Hong Kong Airlines to enter the market and for existing carriers to expand their services.

Melbourne’s Reputation as a Global Leader in Liveability
Melbourne’s appeal as a destination for both business and leisure travelers is reinforced by its high ranking in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index. For 2025, Melbourne was ranked the fourth most liveable city in the world, maintaining its position as one of the top cities for quality of life, alongside Copenhagen, Vienna, and Zürich.

This recognition comes as the city continues to recover from the pandemic and makes strides in enhancing key areas like healthcare, education, stability, and infrastructure. Melbourne’s commitment to maintaining high standards of livability has allowed it to remain in the top five for three consecutive years, reinforcing its resilience and global appeal.

Key Metrics for Liveability
Melbourne’s impressive performance in the Global Liveability Index is underpinned by its perfect scores in healthcare and education, alongside strong ratings in infrastructure and stability. These factors contribute to the city’s outstanding overall score of 97, well above the global average of 76.1. The city’s cultural environment, with a score of 95.8, also set it apart from other major cities, including Sydney, which scored 94.4.
The Global Top Ten Most Liveable Cities
Copenhagen
Vienna
Zürich
Melbourne
Geneva
Sydney
Osaka
Auckland
Adelaide
Vancouver

Why the Global Liveability Index Matters
The Global Liveability Index is a crucial metric for assessing the quality of life in cities worldwide. It helps guide decisions for governments, businesses, and individuals looking to relocate or invest in a city. Melbourne’s sustained top-five ranking underscores its strong public services, economic stability, and vibrant cultural landscape, making it an ideal location for business operations and tourism.
Australia strengthens its global connectivity with Hong Kong Airlines’ new long-haul service to Melbourne, boosting tourism, trade, and business opportunities. This addition solidifies Melbourne’s position as a key gateway for international travel.

Looking Ahead
The arrival of Hong Kong Airlines’ new service is just one example of how Melbourne’s international connections are expanding. The growing passenger traffic, bilateral air traffic rights, and the city’s continued emphasis on liveability make it an attractive destination for travelers and businesses alike. As Melbourne solidifies its position as a key gateway in the Asia-Pacific region, its ongoing development in both aviation and urban infrastructure promises to further enhance its role as a global hub in the coming years.

Melbourne’s strategic positioning within the global travel network is set to strengthen with the introduction of Hong Kong Airlines’ new route. With increasing international travel, a growing economy, and a consistently high quality of life, the city is poised for continued success in both the aviation and tourism sectors.