A direct air route between Beijing and Abu Dhabi has officially launched, marking the first time a Chinese airline operates a nonstop connection between the two capitals.
The inaugural Air China flight, carrying 278 passengers, landed at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport late Saturday night. The route, served by a Boeing 787 aircraft, will operate four round trips weekly and represents Air China’s first newly launched international service of 2026.
The new link is expected to strengthen the aviation network between China and the UAE, facilitating easier travel for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. It also aims to support economic and trade cooperation between the two nations.
An Air China official said the airline prepared extensively to ensure passengers enjoy a safe, comfortable, and pleasant journey. Industry observers noted that the route will add momentum to bilateral collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative framework.
