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Hong Kong Airlines has received regulatory approval to operate scheduled flights to Belgrade, Serbia, and Zagreb, Croatia. However, the approval does not mean that either route has been officially launched.

The development gives the Hong Kong-based airline permission to serve the two European cities under an amended operating licence. Travellers should note that the airline has not confirmed a launch date, timetable or ticket availability for these routes in the information currently available.

What Has Hong Kong Airlines Been Approved to Do?

On May 28, 2026, Hong Kong's Air Transport Licensing Authority approved a variation to Hong Kong Airlines' operating licence. The revised licence permits scheduled passenger, cargo and mail services on a wide list of routes from Hong Kong International Airport.

Belgrade and Zagreb are included on that list, alongside destinations across Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas and other regions. The amended licence is valid through March 24, 2028.

Important distinction: Regulatory permission allows an airline to operate an authorised route, but it does not confirm that the carrier intends to launch the service. Airlines may obtain rights for destinations as part of their longer-term planning.

Official source: Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau — operating licence decision.

Could Belgrade and Zagreb Get Direct Flights from Hong Kong?

The approval has raised interest in the possibility of more direct air links between Hong Kong and Southeast Europe. Belgrade is Serbia's capital and an important regional travel destination, while Zagreb serves as Croatia's capital and a gateway to the country.

A future direct service could offer an additional option for business travellers, tourists and passengers visiting family. It could also make travel planning between the two regions more convenient if the airline eventually introduces the routes.

For now, these benefits remain potential outcomes rather than confirmed changes to the available flight network. Travellers should wait for an official announcement from Hong Kong Airlines before making plans based on a direct service.

What Travellers Should Know Before Booking

• No confirmed launch date: The regulatory approval does not specify when flights might begin.
• No confirmed timetable: The authorised frequency is not a published operating schedule.
• Ticket sales are unconfirmed: Check the airline's official channels for any future booking announcement.
• Connecting flights remain an option: Travellers can compare available itineraries through established connecting hubs while monitoring future developments.

Passengers planning a trip should compare total journey time, connection requirements, baggage rules and the conditions attached to each ticket before booking.

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Why the Development Matters

Hong Kong Airlines' expanded list of authorised destinations illustrates how airlines can prepare for possible network growth before announcing individual routes. Whether Belgrade or Zagreb becomes a scheduled destination will depend on the airline's commercial decisions and any additional operational requirements.

For travellers in Serbia and Croatia, a direct connection with Hong Kong could eventually provide another link to a major Asian aviation hub. Until an airline announcement confirms otherwise, however, the routes should be treated as possibilities rather than new services that are ready to book.

Official Source and Further Reading

• Hong Kong Transport and Logistics Bureau: Decision on Hong Kong Airlines' licence variation
• EX-YU Aviation News: Report on the Belgrade and Zagreb approvals

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Flight Travel News reports on airline developments, route announcements, airports and travel updates for an international audience.