The Queensland government is demanding answers after Air China suspended direct flights from Beijing to Brisbane.
The government worked hard to secure the route and touted it as a big win for Queensland's tourism industry when it was announced last year.
But it's now asking questions about Air China's move to divert flights out of Beijing to other Australian cities from September to January.
Brisbane Airport Corporation says the decision is out of its hands.
"BAC understands the service suspension is due to fleet availability, a factor beyond our control, which Air China is working to restore as soon as possible," it said in a statement on Monday.
"We remain committed to the Beijing-Brisbane route as a key inbound market for Queensland trade and tourism and vital non-stop destination for Australian exporters and business people flying outbound."
It was initially estimated four flights a week from the Chinese capital would bring 170,000 people to the Sunshine State over four years, with 35,000 passengers arriving since December.
AAP has sought comment from Air China.
Liberal National Party leader Deb Frecklington blamed the state government for the suspension.
"Labor talks a big game when it comes to tourism but these sort of decisions by international airlines show they don't back it up with action," she said.
But Tourism Minister Kate Jones was quick to fire back, saying Air China had made a commercial decision over a service that had received bipartisan support.
"This service was secured in partnership with the federal government, Brisbane City Council and Brisbane Airport through our Connecting with Asia Fund," she said.
Ms Jones insisted funds spent promoting Queensland in China would not go to waste.
