Airlines around Asia Pacific are resuming and adding flights to destinations that were cut off during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdown in international aviation.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand said it will resume its seasonal direct services between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast of Australia from 25 June 2023 flying three times a week on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and departing Auckland at 9:10am. Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul Airline Jeremy O’Brien says the route is always popular for Kiwis looking for a winter getaway to the beautiful Sunshine Coast. “We’ve always seen great success on this route, and we expect this season to be no different. Running from 25 June 2023 to 15 October 2023, the flights will be operated on our A320/A321 aircraft and are on sale now. The incredible beaches, rich food culture and laid-back nature is the perfect place for Kiwis to unwind. Couples, families or even solo travelers are guaranteed to have a great time – there’s something to do for everyone. Likewise, it makes travel for those visiting New Zealand from the Sunshine Coast much easier. With more than 360,000 people residing on the Sunshine Coast, a holiday to New Zealand to enjoy our ski season or to visit whānau and friends is much more accessible now we have the direct services back in the skies”. Air New Zealand flies to nine destinations around Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Hobart, Adelaide, Cairns, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.
Korean Air to increase flights on China routes
Korean Air will resume services and increase flights on its China network from 17 March, following the two countries’ agreement to increase the number of flights to pre-pandemic levels, which was announced on 3 March. Flights between Korea and mainland China will increase from 13 times per week to 84 times per week by the end of March, and to 99 times per week in May. The airline’s weekly flight frequency on its China routes will reach 38 percent and 43 percent of 2019 levels in March/April and May/June, respectively. Through service resumption and increased flights, the airline will provide diversified and more convenient schedules between Incheon and Gimpo Airports and major cities in China such as Beijing and Shanghai. Korean Air will also work to revitalise the aviation and tourism industries and Incheon Airport’s role as a hub through expanding transit networks from China. The airline will undergo preliminary inspections of its business branches and airport services in China to ensure safe operations and customer convenience in preparation of the expected surge in passenger demand.
Vietjet to resume two routes linking Hong Kong with Vietnam
Vietjet announced it is restoring two more services connecting Hong Kong to Phu Quoc and Da Nang on 27-28 April. The flight frequency of the Ho Chi Minh City – Hong Kong route will be also increased to daily from 26 March. As the only direct service between the two destinations, the Phu Quoc – Hong Kong route will operate from 27 April with three weekly flights on every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. The flights from Phu Quoc depart at 13:35 and arrive in Hong Kong at 17:20 (local time). The return flights from Hong Kong depart at 18:20 and arrive in Phu Quoc at 20:05 (local time). All international travelers to Phu Quoc are eligible for a 30-day visa waiver. The Da Nang – Hong Kong route will be in service from 28 April with four weekly flights on every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flights from Da Nang take off at 14:35 and land in Hong Kong at 17:20 (local time). The flights from Hong Kong take off at 18:20 and land in Da Nang at 19:10 (local time). In addition, from 26 March, the Ho Chi Minh City – Hong Kong service will increase from five to seven flights per week. The flights from Ho Chi Minh City take off at 15:10 and land in Hong Kong at 18:50 (local time). The flights from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City take off at 19:50 and land in Tan Son Nhat Airport at 21:30 (local time).
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