Richard Branson’s Virgin Atlantic airline has blamed “increasing costs and a challenging economic environment” for its decision to cease its Sydney to Hong Kong service as from 5th May 2014.

The last flight departing Hong Kong to Sydney will be on 4th May. The airline said the route was no longer considered profitable. Virgin Atlantic will continue to operate services between London Heathrow and Hong Kong.

Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive, said: “These are still difficult times for the airline industry and we need to deploy our aircraft to routes with the right level of demand to be financially viable.”