Virgin axes HKG
Oct 5, 2022, 4:05 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Posts: 1,985
Virgin axes HKG
A sad sign of the times, but Virgin Atlantic has confirmed it won't be returning to Hong Kong: https://www.executivetraveller.com/n...g-kong-flights
“After careful consideration we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our London Heathrow – Hong Kong services and close our Hong Kong office, after almost 30 years of proudly serving this Asian hub city. Significant operational complexities due to the ongoing Russian airspace closure have contributed to the commercial decision not to resume flights in March 2023 as planned, which have already been paused since December 2021.
"Our people and customers in Hong Kong have been amazing since we first touched down at the famous Kai Tak Airport in 1994 and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Hong Kong for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers on this route and anyone booked to travel from March 2023, will be offered a refund, voucher or the option to rebook on an alternative Virgin Atlantic route.”
“After careful consideration we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our London Heathrow – Hong Kong services and close our Hong Kong office, after almost 30 years of proudly serving this Asian hub city. Significant operational complexities due to the ongoing Russian airspace closure have contributed to the commercial decision not to resume flights in March 2023 as planned, which have already been paused since December 2021.
"Our people and customers in Hong Kong have been amazing since we first touched down at the famous Kai Tak Airport in 1994 and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Hong Kong for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers on this route and anyone booked to travel from March 2023, will be offered a refund, voucher or the option to rebook on an alternative Virgin Atlantic route.”
“After careful consideration we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our London Heathrow – Hong Kong services and close our Hong Kong office, after almost 30 years of proudly serving this Asian hub city. Significant operational complexities due to the ongoing Russian airspace closure have contributed to the commercial decision not to resume flights in March 2023 as planned, which have already been paused since December 2021.
"Our people and customers in Hong Kong have been amazing since we first touched down at the famous Kai Tak Airport in 1994 and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Hong Kong for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers on this route and anyone booked to travel from March 2023, will be offered a refund, voucher or the option to rebook on an alternative Virgin Atlantic route.”
“After careful consideration we’ve taken the difficult decision to suspend our London Heathrow – Hong Kong services and close our Hong Kong office, after almost 30 years of proudly serving this Asian hub city. Significant operational complexities due to the ongoing Russian airspace closure have contributed to the commercial decision not to resume flights in March 2023 as planned, which have already been paused since December 2021.
"Our people and customers in Hong Kong have been amazing since we first touched down at the famous Kai Tak Airport in 1994 and since then we’ve provided important connectivity between the UK and Hong Kong for thousands of customers and supported global supply chains through our cargo operations. We’re sorry for the disappointment caused to our loyal customers on this route and anyone booked to travel from March 2023, will be offered a refund, voucher or the option to rebook on an alternative Virgin Atlantic route.”
Oct 5, 2022, 5:49 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: KLM Plat for Life , BA Gold, HH Silver, (Other half Diamond), IHG Gold
Posts: 2,440
Could any one proffer some advice ?
We booked two returns in UC LHR TO HKG in the 50 % off avios sale way back . These have been cancelled by virgin several times and rebooked . They were then rescheduled for June 2023 .
Virgin are only offering a refund or voucher ( I can see no advantage to this). I would obviously rather be rerouted on another airline or change my destination . Can I insist on the first ?
many thanks
We booked two returns in UC LHR TO HKG in the 50 % off avios sale way back . These have been cancelled by virgin several times and rebooked . They were then rescheduled for June 2023 .
Virgin are only offering a refund or voucher ( I can see no advantage to this). I would obviously rather be rerouted on another airline or change my destination . Can I insist on the first ?
many thanks
Oct 5, 2022, 7:03 am
#4
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 55
Could any one proffer some advice ?
We booked two returns in UC LHR TO HKG in the 50 % off avios sale way back . These have been cancelled by virgin several times and rebooked . They were then rescheduled for June 2023 .
Virgin are only offering a refund or voucher ( I can see no advantage to this). I would obviously rather be rerouted on another airline or change my destination . Can I insist on the first ?
many thanks
We booked two returns in UC LHR TO HKG in the 50 % off avios sale way back . These have been cancelled by virgin several times and rebooked . They were then rescheduled for June 2023 .
Virgin are only offering a refund or voucher ( I can see no advantage to this). I would obviously rather be rerouted on another airline or change my destination . Can I insist on the first ?
many thanks
Oct 5, 2022, 7:14 am
#5
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,097
Good luck with that. With the original tickets being extended as a courtesy, Virgin are most likely to just refund and roll back to the original ticketing terms, considering them expired.
Oct 5, 2022, 9:57 am
#7
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 55
Oct 5, 2022, 10:08 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 1,366
Of course, in the worst case, it might take county court action to resolve this. Refundable cash fares on LH-group are around the £2k mark, so the worst case might involve booking this and seeking repayment from Virgin. Hopefully, it doesn't get there.
Oct 5, 2022, 10:58 am
#9
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,097
Whether the ticket was extended or not, whether courtesy was involved or not, the poster had a confirmed booking and Virgin is still bound by UK 261.
Of course, in the worst case, it might take county court action to resolve this. Refundable cash fares on LH-group are around the £2k mark, so the worst case might involve booking this and seeking repayment from Virgin. Hopefully, it doesn't get there.
Of course, in the worst case, it might take county court action to resolve this. Refundable cash fares on LH-group are around the £2k mark, so the worst case might involve booking this and seeking repayment from Virgin. Hopefully, it doesn't get there.
Oct 5, 2022, 11:15 am
#10
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Cheltenham
Programs: KLM Plat for Life , BA Gold, HH Silver, (Other half Diamond), IHG Gold
Posts: 2,440
Thanks All for your advice.
I have now read the relevant EU / UK documentation and it would seem to me they have to reroute.
I will try the gentle approach first. The other half is a specialist in contract law so that will help if needed.
I have now read the relevant EU / UK documentation and it would seem to me they have to reroute.
I will try the gentle approach first. The other half is a specialist in contract law so that will help if needed.
Oct 5, 2022, 1:26 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Montreux CH
Programs: FB Platinum, M&M FTL, BA Blue
Posts: 11,800
Definitely not a surprise. Hong Kong is not at all as important as it thinks it is. It has lost its status as an economic and financial hub and there's not going to be a turnaround.
Oct 5, 2022, 9:05 pm
#12
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: HKG
Posts: 1,531
Interestingly, BA announced just days ago they're returning to HKG in December. Virgin was never a major player on the route pre-pandemic with just a single daily flight. I do recall long ago they did the kangaroo route via HKG as well.
Oct 15, 2022, 5:09 am
#13
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Australia
Programs: QFF LTG , HHD
Posts: 1,207
Very sad to see it go. Over the years I have done 7 round trip UC LHR-HKG flights on VS and never paid for one. All were done on transferred Amex points. Maybe I am part of the reason they have pulled out? lol
Oct 19, 2022, 10:41 am
#14
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TPA 50%/BKK 30%/HKG 20%
Programs: UA 1K MM - AF G – TK G – AZ Ex – Hilton D – Marriott G – IHG P
Posts: 1,990
This article is not correct. It says, "With war continuing in Ukraine, airlines have avoided flying over Russia in fear of another attack on a commercial airliner. "
This is nonsense. British Flag carriers (and all EU, US, and Canadian carriers) are banned by Russia from flying over Russian airspace. Otherwise they'd just fly around Ukraine.
This is nonsense. British Flag carriers (and all EU, US, and Canadian carriers) are banned by Russia from flying over Russian airspace. Otherwise they'd just fly around Ukraine.
Oct 19, 2022, 10:46 am
#15
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TPA 50%/BKK 30%/HKG 20%
Programs: UA 1K MM - AF G – TK G – AZ Ex – Hilton D – Marriott G – IHG P
Posts: 1,990
Correct. And China is doing that on purpose. They want to make Shanghai the premier financial hub and make Hong Kong a second tier city. It's all about face there. They can't have a British creation leading the way. It needs to be a 100% Chinese creation that leads the Chinese financial world.