Hong Kong Airlines pulls out of New Zealand

Hong Kong Airlines is quitting New Zealand just over two years after its first flight touched down in Auckland.

The full-service airline launched services between Hong Kong and Auckland in November 2016.

It serviced the route with a 283 seat Airbus A330-200, flying seven times a week during the peak season and five times a week off peak.

Auckland Airport aeronautical commercial general manager Scott Tasker said it was disappointed by the airline's decision to quit the market, as it removed a travel option for passengers flying to and from Auckland and Hong Kong.

However, the route was still well serviced with Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific flying up to three times a day, he said.

Hong Kong Airlines' decision to leave New Zealand comes just a months after low cost carrier AirAsia decided to axe its Kuala Lumpur to Auckland service in February.

Hong Kong Airlines has been approached for comment.

The airline's website is not selling direct fares from Auckland to Hong Kong beyond May.

Instead it is offering flights to Hong Kong via Australian airports.