Xi'an takes lead to offer flights to all Central Asian countries

Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province in Northwest China, has reached a significant milestone in its international connectivity with the launch of direct flights to Ashgabat, capital of Turkmenistan, on May 13.

As if that weren't enough, Xi'an is gearing up to inaugurate another flight route to Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan, on May 18.

With the opening of these two routes to Central Asia, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport will boast a remarkable total of 16 international passenger routes. The number of weekly flights between Xi'an and Central Asia will surge to an impressive 11.

This remarkable achievement positions Xi'an as the first city in China to establish flight connections with all five Central Asian countries, ensuring comprehensive coverage of passenger routes. As a result, Xi'an is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating enhanced regional connectivity.

The recent opening of these new routes has attracted widespread attention from individuals across Central Asia.

Commenting on the development, the general manager of a prominent travel company in Tajikistan expressed enthusiasm, stating that the direct flights would eliminate the need for arduous detours, incessant price comparisons of air tickets, and choosing which country to transit through, while positively impacting the exchanges between the peoples of both countries.

Xiong Jie, Party secretary of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Northwest Regional Administration, emphasized that the Belt and Road Initiative has been instrumental in fostering deeper ties between China and Central Asian nations. The newly established flight routes are poised to unlock numerous opportunities for cooperation in various fields, such as culture, commerce, and tourism.