Following the return of non-stop seasonal flights from Perth to Rome over the weekend, Qantas is now shifting its attention to another rebounded service, lifting off between Melbourne and Hong Kong after an extended hiatus from today.

Originally set to resume back on March 26, QF29/30’s restart was reportedly delayed by ground handling shortages and fee hikes at the once-thriving Asian hub, as indeed many airlines were at the time.

Complementing Qantas’ daily Sydney-Hong Kong service, the thrice-weekly A330 from Melbourne sees travellers jet off every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. After a quick turnaround, it then bounces back those same three days.

• QF29 departs Melbourne at 12:45pm, arriving into Hong Kong at 8:25pm.
• QF30 leaves Hong Kong at 9:55pm, touching down in Melbourne at 9:20am the next day.

Onboard the A330 features 28 lie-flat seats in business class (read our review here), which should make the 9+ hour flight breeze by, particularly on the overnight leg to Victoria.

The David Caon-designed seat provides ample room to stretch out for the duration.

Of course, Qantas isn’t alone in offering non-stop flights between the cities. Its Oneworld partner Cathay Pacific is firmly in the game too, with the airline jetting off one to three times daily.

In Hong Kong, business class and lounge-worthy frequent flyers have access to the Red Roo’s recently-unlocked Qantas Hong Kong Lounge near Gate 5, which has seen a welcome (if unexpected) return after originally being flagged for a permanent closure.

Inside the QF lounge is instantly familiar to anyone who visited previously, with a subtle refresh to its soft furnishings and warmer colour palette the most notable changes. The famous char siu BBQ pork bar has returned, while cook-to-order dishes and an extensive drinks list also deliver plenty of choice.   

Welcoming Oneworld travellers, Cathay’s nearby The Deck business lounge is well worth a visit too, particularly for its made-to-order noodle bar and namesake deck (a great spot for people watching). Those with time to spare can also step inside The Wing business, at the far end of the terminal.