We’re only two months into the year, and it’s already proven that it’s going to be quite an interesting one. As you would have seen in the media, the Caronavirus has quickly spread, and as a result of this, air travel has seen an enormous drop. As the virus was first found in China, many airlines have been forced to either cut back services or completely stop the flights altogether.
For those who weren’t aware, Qantas actually terminated their Beijing service on the 9th of February instead of the 23, and the Sydney – Shanghai service was stopped the same date. The Shanghai service is slated to recommence on the 29th of March, but It may be later than that, time will tell.
Even though Hong Kong isn’t officially apart of China, due to its proximity and also being a huge transit hug, the airport has really been feeling the effects, especially from their home carrier Cathay Pacific.
According to Airlineroute, Qantas will be reducing their services to Hong Kong during March from Brisbane & Melbourne.
The services will be reduced from the 1st of March until the 29th of March, 2020.
Brisbane’s Hong Kong services
Qantas currently operates daily services to Hong Kong from Brisbane with the 787-9 as well as the A330 series, but on the 1st of March, this will be reduced down to 5 weekly.
The QF97 service will run on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
Qantas 787-9
Melbourne’s Hong Kong services
Qantas will cut the exact same amount of services for Melbourne going from 7 to 5. The A330 series operate the Melbourne – Hong Kong route.
The QF29 service will run on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday.
Qantas A330
This reduction in services come as no surprise to me, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more of these routes cut back. According to Flightradar24’s website, It’s been reported that the overall traffic within and to China has dropped by 80%. Cathay Pacific is also reporting that they’ll be cutting their services back by 90%, this includes flights to Australia.
That’s a HUGE amount of traffic to lose, and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like the situation will get any better – airlines are always announcing changes to routes.
Do these changes affect you?
