Friday, May 30, 2025
Hong Kong is strategically strengthening its aviation ties with Mainland China by launching new direct tri-weekly flights to Yiwu through its low-cost carrier HK Express. This move not only enhances cross-border connectivity but also supports Hong Kong’s broader goal of becoming a more integrated regional transport hub. By tapping into Yiwu’s reputation as a major global trading center, the new route fosters greater business and tourism exchange, aligning with Hong Kong’s post-pandemic recovery strategy and deepening economic cooperation with key Mainland cities.
HK Express has inaugurated a brand-new direct flight route linking Hong Kong to Yiwu, a dynamic trade hub in China’s Zhejiang Province. This groundbreaking connection represents the first direct air service between the two cities, enhancing regional mobility and opening fresh avenues for tourism, commerce, and economic engagement.
The airline now operates three weekly flights on this new route, with departures scheduled every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Flights take off from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and land at Yiwu International Airport (YIW), providing a convenient option for both leisure and business travelers seeking quick and efficient access between the two cities.
This launch is a pivotal step in HK Express’ broader strategy to expand its network into Mainland China. By adding Yiwu to its destination map, the airline has now established air links to five cities on the Mainland, with three located within the dynamic Yangtze River Delta region—Ningbo, Changzhou, and now Yiwu. This area plays a vital role in China’s economic engine and continues to grow in importance for regional air transport.
HK Express designed this expansion to align with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government’s cooperation mechanism with Zhejiang Province. This strategic initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties across key sectors such as tourism, trade, logistics, and cultural exchange. By establishing direct access to Yiwu, the airline is facilitating easier movement of goods and people while fostering stronger business and cultural relationships.
The airline currently operates twenty-four weekly flights between Hong Kong and its Mainland Chinese destinations. By the end of this year, it plans to double that number, significantly enhancing accessibility and offering passengers more flexible travel options. This expanded network is expected to improve regional mobility, reduce travel time, and help meet rising demand for cross-border trips.
Yiwu is widely recognized as a global center for small commodity trade and wholesale markets, attracting thousands of buyers and business professionals from across the world each year. The city’s growing importance as a commercial hub makes it an ideal choice for direct air service. With this new route, HK Express is helping to facilitate smoother business exchanges and trade opportunities between Hong Kong and one of China’s most active economic centers.
Introducing Yiwu into its network further reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a leading global air transport gateway. With a state-of-the-art airport system and HK Express’ affordable, reliable service, the city continues to facilitate smooth travel in both directions. The new route makes it simpler for travelers from Mainland China to visit Hong Kong for leisure, retail, healthcare, and cultural experiences. At the same time, it enables Hong Kong-based individuals and enterprises to tap into Yiwu’s thriving marketplace and business environment.
This route’s inaugural flight served as a gateway for deeper engagement, with a Hong Kong delegation flying to Yiwu to establish relationships with local tourism officials. This engagement is part of a larger campaign to strengthen inter-city partnerships and broaden the scope of travel and tourism collaboration between Hong Kong and cities across Mainland China.
The Hong Kong to Yiwu flight timetable is outlined below, with all departure and arrival times listed in local time:
- Flight UO212: Departs Hong Kong at 14:10, arrives in Yiwu at 16:20
Flight UO213: Leaves Yiwu at 17:05 and lands in Hong Kong at 19:25 local time.
These flights operate on a tri-weekly basis every Monday, Thursday, and Saturday.
This latest addition builds on HK Express’ recent network expansions, such as the new route to Changzhou. Collectively, these efforts reflect a broader push by the Cathay Group—which includes both HK Express and Cathay Pacific—to deepen their presence across Mainland China. The group now reaches twenty-two destinations throughout the country.
To further enhance convenience for passengers, HK Express offers code-sharing services with Cathay Pacific. This collaboration enables seamless connections for travelers who wish to extend their journey beyond Yiwu, either regionally or internationally. It also allows greater access to Cathay Pacific’s global network via Hong Kong, offering an integrated experience for customers booking long-haul and short-haul trips alike.
The Yiwu service symbolizes more than just a new flight path; it represents a comprehensive effort to build a bridge between two economically vibrant regions. By offering reliable, direct service, HK Express is not only strengthening regional aviation but also contributing to the recovery and long-term resilience of the travel industry.
As cross-border travel continues to rebound, the airline remains committed to expanding connectivity, increasing capacity, and exploring emerging markets. Future expansion plans include new destinations across the Mainland and enhanced frequencies on existing routes to accommodate growing demand.
This ongoing growth reinforces the airline’s mission to provide accessible, reliable, and cost-effective travel experiences for a diverse range of passengers. Whether serving business executives, international traders, or tourists, HK Express positions itself as a key player in connecting Hong Kong with Mainland China’s rising cities.
Hong Kong is expanding its aviation network with Mainland China as HK Express launches direct tri-weekly flights to Yiwu, aiming to boost regional connectivity and strengthen trade and tourism ties with this key commercial hub.
With Yiwu now part of the airline’s expanding map, travelers can expect more choices, better schedules, and stronger ties between regions that drive economic vitality in East Asia.
