Hong Kong Airlines has inaugurated its first direct service between Hong Kong and Urumqi, marking a significant expansion in its route network. The twice-weekly flights, operated by an Airbus A330, commenced on 29 August, with celebrations held at both Hong Kong International Airport and Urumqi Tianshan International Airport.
The new route is part of Hong Kong Airlines' strategy to offer more travel options and aligns with the national policy to expand the Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents visiting Hong Kong and Macao.
Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, stated, “The launch of this new destination also responds to the nation’s policy of expanding Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents travelling to Hong Kong and Macao.”
Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, serves as a vital hub in Northwest China and is a key city on the Silk Road Economic Belt. The city offers a mix of modern skyscrapers and natural landscapes, including the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar and the Tianshan Grand Canyon.
The new service is expected to enhance connectivity, allowing travellers from Xinjiang and Northwest China to connect through Hong Kong to destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia, and North America. Additionally, Urumqi's position as an aviation hub facilitates connections to Central Asia.
The flight schedule includes departures from Hong Kong to Urumqi on Tuesdays and Saturdays, with return flights on Wednesdays and Sundays. Tickets are available on the Hong Kong Airlines website. This new route is set to strengthen Hong Kong's position as an international aviation hub, fostering closer ties along the Belt and Road initiative.
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