Virgin axes HK flights, citing protests and virus

Virgin Australia announced on Thursday that it is completely withdrawing from the Hong Kong market, axeing its Sydney and Melbourne routes because they are no longer commercially viable.



The airline said the Hong Kong market has remained challenging and demand has continued to decline following the city's ongoing social unrest. It said the recent coronavirus outbreak was also a factor in its decision to cancel services.



Flights between Hong Kong and Melbourne will stop on February 11, while the Hong Kong-Sydney route will cease operating on March 2.



Virgin Australia's chief commercial officer, John MacLeod, said in a statement: "Current circumstances demonstrate that Hong Kong is no longer a commercially viable route for Virgin Australia to continue operating."



Passengers affected will be contacted regarding alternative arrangements, the airline said.



The airline first started flying to Hong Kong from Melbourne in 2017, hoping to tap into the Chinese travel market. The Sydney route was launched the following year.



The airline faced strong competition from Cathay Pacific and Qantas, which offer more frequent flights.