China Eastern Airlines to launch direct Xi'an-Istanbul flight

A direct flight between Xi'an of Shaanxi province and Istanbul of Turkiye will be launched on June 24 by China Eastern Airlines, which will be the airliner's second direct flight connecting the two nations, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

The flight will operate between Xi'an Xianyang International Airport and Istanbul Airport every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday (local time).

Situated on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait that divides Asia and Europe, Istanbul is the only city in the world lying across the two continents. Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, is known for its charming mix of rich history and unique culture.

China is Turkey's largest trading partner in Asia, and the launch of the new flight is expected to greatly improve the economic, trade and people-to-people exchanges between Northwest China and neighboring countries of Turkiye.

Tickets for the Xi'an-Istanbul flights are available at the official website of China Eastern as well as on the app of the airliner.

The launch of the new flight is among the array of direct routes launched between China and countries involved in the Belt and Road initiative. Direct flight between Shanghai and Shymkent, Kazakhstan, officially commenced operations starting May 30, marking the first direct passenger air link from China to Central Asia.

Operated by Kazakh carrier Scat Airlines, this new route will significantly enhance connectivity between China and Central Asia, shortening the travelling time between Yangtze River Delta region and Central Asia within six hours.

Scat Airlines has become the first Central Asian airliner starting operations in Shanghai.

The launch of the Shanghai-Shymkent flight is believed to further enrich Shanghai's international aviation connectivity, as well as create a more convenient air channel for the exchanges and collaboration of economy, trades, tourism, and culture between China and Kazakhstan.

This year is the 33rd anniversary of the two countries establishing diplomatic ties, and the mutual visa-free policies have greatly boosted business and traveling between the two countries.

The Shanghai-Shymkent flight is available every Tuesday and Friday from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and back from Shymkent on Mondays and Thursdays (local time).

Aiming to become an all-around gateway and a comprehensive international aviation hub, the Shanghai Airport (Group) has accelerated its pace in expanding its international aviation network since the beginning of this year. The group is vowed to raise flight frequencies, restore more flights, and launch new direct flights to international destinations including Geneva of Switzerland, Almaty of Kazakhstan, Kumamoto of Japan in coming months, so as to offer more diversified, convenient and high efficiency air traveling options.