Hainan Airlines launches Brussels–Chongqing route, strengthening air links between China and Belgium

Hainan Airlines has inaugurated a new direct route between Brussels and Chongqing, establishing an additional “air bridge” between China and Belgium and marking its fourth nonstop service from Brussels Airport. The launch was celebrated on 22 November with an official ceremony attended by diplomats and airport executives, including Li Yan, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, and Sylvie Van den Eynde, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer at Brussels Airport.

Passengers on the inaugural flight were greeted with panda toys and Belgian chocolates before the Boeing 787-9 registered B-7302 received a ceremonial vehicle escort ahead of departure of flight HU470. The new service operates three times a week—on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays—adding to Hainan Airlines’ existing Brussels connections to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. With the addition of Chongqing, the carrier will operate 17 weekly flights between Belgium and China.

Brussels Airport hailed the new link as a boost to connectivity and cooperation. “Each new route broadens the bridge between our regions, offering more choice for travellers and more opportunities for cooperation,” Van den Eynde said.

The outbound flight from Brussels departs at 11:20 and arrives in Chongqing the following morning, while the return service leaves Chongqing at 02:50 and lands in Brussels at 07:35. Chongqing, a key hub for western China and a strategic node in several national development corridors, is an important base for Hainan Airlines, which offers numerous domestic and international connections from the city.

The new route is expected to enhance economic ties, cultural exchange and trade opportunities between China and Belgium. Hainan Airlines, the only Skytrax Five-Star airline on the Chinese mainland, continues to expand its global network, having restored or launched more than 70 international and regional routes since China’s reopening.