SEPANG, MALAYSIA – DECEMBER 14, 2016: Hong Kong Airlines plane Airbus A330-243F, Registration name B-LNW, arrive at KLIA airport on December 14, 2016 in KLIA, Sepang, Malaysia. / Shutterstock
Hong Kong Airlines has announced that it will discontinue its direct flights to Vancouver citing a 'challenging business environment' caused by civil unrest in Hong Kong.
The decision comes after the low-carrier announced it would be reducing service to YVR earlier this year. Now, the airline notes that it will focus on 'priority routes' while focusing on its network strategy.
Hong Kong Airlines notes that weak travel demand continues to affect its business and revenue, even after the carrier reduced its service. As such, it aims to mitigate the financial strain by additional network adjustments.
As of Feb. 12, 2020, Hong Kong Airlines will discontinue its direct flights to Vancouver. The last Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hong Kong to Vancouver will be HX080 on Feb. 10, 2020, while the last flight from Vancouver to Hong Kong will be HX081 on the same day (all times local).
The airline will also cease service to Ho Chi Minh City, effective Feb. 20, 2020. The last Hong Kong Airlines flight from Hong Kong to Ho Chi Minh City will be HX538 on Feb. 29, 2020, while the last flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Hong Kong will be HX539 on Feb. 20, 2020.
As of Feb. 10, 2020, the carrier will also 'suspend' service to Tianjin. The last flight from Hong Kong to Tianjin will be HX362 on Feb. 9, 2020, while that from Tianjin to Hong Kong will be HX363 on 10 Feb. 10, 2020.
In addition to the above, Hong Kong Airlines will also continue to adjust its frequencies to other destinations according to changing market demands.
"Hong Kong Airlines would like to apologize for the inconvenience caused to its customers. Alternative travel arrangements will be offered to passengers who are holding confirmed tickets on Hong Kong Airlines flights to and from Vancouver, Ho Chi Minh City and Tianjin after these services end," reads a release from the airline.
"Passengers who are impacted by other flight cancellations will also be offered alternative arrangements to minimize disruptions to their travel plans, especially during the holiday season."
Bloomberg notes that the airline has come under fire after failing to pay many of its employees, noting that, "Only cabin crew and overseas employees will receive their November wages on time, while all other Hong Kong-based workers will be paid on Dec. 6."
