Phuket, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai and Hangzhou top the list of popular destinations on Dragonair for Lunar New Year

Phuket, Kota Kinabalu, Shanghai and Hangzhou top the list of popular destinations with travellers on Dragonair over the Lunar New Year holiday period, when the airline will operate 65 additional flights.

Among the other cities seeing additional services and aircraft upgrades between January 15 and February 2 are Shanghai, Kota Kinabalu and Phuket.

"The attractions of sun and sea are as popular as ever over the holidays, which is why we will be operating more flights to Phuket and Kota Kinabalu and using larger aircraft on our Bangkok route," said Chief Executive Officer Stanley Hui.

"Equally popular is Shanghai, with all the attractions it has to offer, as well as the opportunity to celebrate the start of the Year of the Monkey with family and friends. Hangzhou, famous for its historic sites, is not far behind."

Flights to Dragonair's two Taiwan destinations - Taipei and Kaohsiung - have also been increased to meet the demand from business people heading home from their businesses in the Mainland to be with their family.

"We will operate a total of seven more services to Taiwan over the holidays as a result of demand mainly from business travellers," Mr. Hui said.

"With the large number of people travelling over the holiday period we advise passengers to arrive at the airport in good time to clear check-in, immigrations and customs procedures.

"Dragonair wishes all its passengers an enjoyable holiday and a very happy Year of the Monkey."

With effect from January 9, the airport tax at Hong Kong International Airport will rise to $120.