China Unveils New Regional Air Links as Hong Kong Airlines Launches Direct Hong Kong–Xi’an Flights and Increases Frequencies to Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai Amid Peak Summer Travel This Year

China is increasing its regional air links with the world’s popular travel destination during the peak summer season thanks to the strong growth enabled by Hong Kong Airlines’ new and upcoming services. The airline has commenced new direct services connecting Hong Kong with the culturally-rich city of Xi’anand increased frequencies to key cities such as Hangzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai. These new additions are added preference for convenience, to lend valuable support to tourist flow from within the country, and to boost economic cooperation in the region in the current year.

New direct route between Hong Kong and Xi’an to boost HKA’s regional connectivity and meet growing demand during peak summer travel season Hong Kong Airlines on 25th May announced the launch of a new direct service between Hong Kong and the second largest city in mainland China, Xi’an, further expanding the airline’s network in Greater China. The inaugural flight of this new route departed today, July 18, The launch of this spectacular new service signifies an indispensable enhancement in the airline’s network, as it continues to increase the accessibility between Hong Kong and some of the most important cities in Mainland China.

The introduction of this service underscores the airline’s commitment to providing more flexible and convenient options for leisure and business travelers alike, especially during a season marked by heightened travel activity.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Gary Zhan, Vice President of Hong Kong Airlines, stated: “The opening of the Xi’an route is a direct response to our network strategy. It aligns with the ‘Belt and Road’ Initiative by establishing an integrated ‘Shaanxi-Hong Kong-International’ air corridor. We believe this new service will stimulate two-way passenger flow as it offers Hong Kong travellers a convenient way to explore cultural landmarks like the Terracotta Warriors and the Grand Tang Dynasty’s Everbright City, while also providing residents from Northwest China with multi-stop travel options. They can visit Hong Kong to enjoy its unique scenery and cuisine, and then seamlessly connect via our hub to long-haul destinations such as our exclusively operated Maldives route, or Sydney and Vancouver.”

He continued, “Our services, including through-ticketing, seamless connections, and direct baggage check to our other regional flights, provide customers with highly flexible travel choices. Beyond promoting tourism and cultural exchange, this new route will also empower entrepreneurs from both regions to tap into external markets and explore new business and investment opportunities.”

Mr Ma Zhonghua, Deputy General Manager of Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Ltd., stated: “The launch of Hong Kong Airlines’ new route to Xi’an marks a new chapter in the partnership between our airport and the airline, injecting fresh momentum into the express air corridor between Xi’an and Hong Kong. With this service enhancement, the number of weekly flights from Xi’an to Hong Kong now increases to 16, operated across three carriers. This route not only provides convenient air travel but also more effectively connects the key nodes of the ‘Land Silk Road’ and the ‘Maritime Silk Road’. It establishes a bridge of friendship that will foster personnel exchanges, economic and trade cooperation, and cultural dialogue between our two cities, further bringing this international financial hub and the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties closer together.”

Enhancing Access Between Two Cultural Capitals

The launch of the new route between Hong Kong and Xi’an offers an essential air link between two culturally rich cities — one known for its international financial prominence and the other for its profound historical significance as the ancient capital of China and home of the famous Terracotta Army.

Passengers departing from Hong Kong can now explore Xi’an’s vast cultural heritage, while travelers from Shaanxi gain easier access to the dynamic metropolitan lifestyle, global business opportunities, and international transit hub that is Hong Kong.

The flight will operate five times weekly using Airbus A320 aircraft, with departures from Hong Kong scheduled for 9:40 PM and arrivals in Xi’an by 1:05 AM the following day. Return flights from Xi’an depart at 2:30 AM and land in Hong Kong by 6:00 AM, making it an efficient overnight connection for travelers seeking to maximize their daytime itineraries.

Hong Kong Airlines’ Flight Schedule Between Hong Kong and Xi’an (All Times Local):

Summer Travel Boost: Expanded Services to Mainland Destinations

The introduction of the Xi’an service marks just one element of Hong Kong Airlines’ wider initiative to enhance its summer travel offerings across the region. To accommodate heightened demand across the region, the carrier is increasing flight frequencies on several popular routes connecting Hong Kong with major cities in Mainland China.

Highlights of the summer frequency boost include:

• Twice-daily flights to Hangzhou
• Twice-daily flights to Nanjing
• Four-daily flights to Shanghai Pudong

These service enhancements are aimed at giving travelers more flexibility in planning their trips while also supporting increased business and tourism exchanges during the high-demand travel season.

Robust Mainland Network for Seamless Exploration

Hong Kong Airlines now operates a well-integrated network that reaches deep into Mainland China, offering service to a wide range of major metropolitan areas and scenic destinations alike. In addition to the newly added Xi’an service and increased flights to Hangzhou, Nanjing, and Shanghai, the airline continues to serve:

• Beijing – the national capital and political heart of China
• Chongqing – an emerging urban giant driving economic momentum in western China
• Chengdu – known for its pandas, culinary culture, and tech industries
• Haikou & Sanya – Hainan’s twin cities famous for luxury beach resorts
• Xining – gateway to the Tibetan Plateau and Qinghai Lake
• Hulunbuir – offering vast grasslands and Mongolian steppe experiences
• Dunhuang – home to the UNESCO-listed Mogao Caves and Silk Road heritage

This comprehensive route portfolio reinforces Hong Kong Airlines’ strategic aim to become a bridge between international travelers and the rich cultural, historical, and business environments within Mainland China.

Passenger-Centric Experience with Distinctive Service

Hong Kong Airlines continues to distinguish itself in the regional aviation market through its people-first philosophy and value-added services. All passengers on the new Xi’an route — as well as other domestic destinations — can enjoy:

• Curated In-Flight Dining: Featuring signature meals and regional flavors
• Generous Baggage Allowance: With hassle-free policies designed for summer travelers
• Comfort-Focused Cabin Services: Aimed at delivering exceptional attentiveness in-flight

With the peak travel season underway, the airline is doubling down on its efforts to make the journey as enjoyable and efficient as the destination itself.

Xi’an: A Timeless Destination Reconnected

For travelers originating from Hong Kong or international tourists transiting through the city, Xi’an offers a gateway into ancient China’s grandeur. Renowned as one of China’s Four Legendary Ancient Capitals, Xi’an offers an extraordinary collection of UNESCO World Heritage landmarks that reflect its rich imperial legacy and cultural depth.

• The Terracotta Army – an archeological wonder and one of the world’s most famous burial sites
• The Ancient City Wall – one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China
• The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda – a Tang Dynasty architectural icon
• The Muslim Quarter and the iconic Great Mosque showcase Xi’an’s vibrant legacy as a crossroads of Silk Road commerce and centuries of cultural exchange.

With the new direct route, travelers no longer need to transit through other cities, cutting down travel time and increasing convenience. This is expected to further boost inbound tourism into Xi’an and surrounding Shaanxi Province.

Strategic Vision in a Competitive Market

The expansion into Xi’an and flight frequency upgrades to key cities illustrate Hong Kong Airlines’ broader post-pandemic recovery strategy: focusing on underserved routes with high tourism or cultural value and capitalizing on the increasing demand for intra-regional travel.

While international travel continues to rebound globally, regional carriers such as Hong Kong Airlines are positioning themselves to benefit from rising domestic demand and regional interest — particularly from young, independent travelers and the growing middle class across Asia.

Hong Kong’s role as a transportation and logistics hub further elevates the importance of strategic air connectivity. The Greater Bay Area initiative — which links Hong Kong with neighboring cities such as Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai — also positions Hong Kong International Airport as a vital air access point for travelers heading into or out of Mainland China.

A Summer of Connectivity and Convenience

With rising travel enthusiasm across China and neighboring regions, Hong Kong Airlines’ aggressive route expansion comes at a timely juncture. The summer surge in passenger demand is being met with expanded schedules, reliable aircraft deployment, and passenger-focused services.

The airline’s dual approach — reconnecting key destinations like Xi’an while enhancing existing routes to major hubs such as Hangzhou and Shanghai — solidifies its place as a leading connector between Hong Kong and Mainland China.

Pax after that perfect mix of history, flexibility, and service level should be pax also delighted pax with the new service, as business and VFR pax alike will see seasonality improved timing and deeper access across the carrier’s regional network.

On Hong Kong – 22 May 2018 – A non-stop summer service commencement to Xi’an and frequency increase to Hangzhou, Nanjing and Shanghai in response to surge in travel demand during summer holidays. These strategic additions are intended to spur domestic travel, encourage tourism and provide travelers with more convenient alternatives to major Mainland cities in 2020.

The introduction of direct flights between Hong Kong to Xi’an as well as frequency increases to other popular Chinese destinations is testament to Hong Kong Airlines’ daring summer adventure. With passenger traffic set to spiral in 2025, these strategic developments will take the airline to new heights in its the role as a regional connector, providing a seamless, comfortable and culturally immersive travel experience between two of China’s most vibrant destinations.