It says exporters say they were unable to fly shipments of stonefruit to Hong Kong ahead of the Chinese New Year, because airlines had cancelled flights, double booked or shunted their orders aside in favour of seafood.

Cathay Pacific spokesman David Bell reportedly said it was "just one of those things that couldn't be helped.

"We endeavour to carry all freight that's booked, but seafood pays a much higher rate (A$2.50/kg compared to A$0.45 cents for stonefruit), which helps keep the service viable," he said.

The web site also carried a Qantas statement that none of the Australian flag carrier's daily Melbourne-Hong Kong services were overbooked between February 7 and 11, the five peak demand days ahead of the Chinese New Year.