Air China suspends Brisbane-Beijing route

The Queensland government is demanding answers after Air China suspended its 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 decision to divert flights out of Beijing to other Australian cities from September to January.

Brisbane Airport Corporation said the decision was 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."

Four flights a week from the Chinese capital have brought 35,000 passengers to Queensland since last December.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk initially estimated the service would bring 170,000 people to the Sunshine State over four years.

Liberal National Party Leader Deb Frecklington blamed the state Labor 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.