Hong Kong Airlines has officially launched a new direct service between Hong Kong and Urumqi, strengthening air connectivity between Hong Kong and Northwest China. The airline operated its first flight on August 29 with an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft. The new route will operate twice weekly, with inaugural celebrations held at both Hong Kong International Airport and Urumqi Tianshan International Airport.
Boost to Tourism and Regional Connectivity
Hong Kong Airlines President Jeff Sun said the new service reflects the airline’s commitment to expanding its network and providing travellers with more destinations and convenient travel options. The route is expected to encourage more visitors from Xinjiang and Northwest China to Hong Kong, while also allowing passengers to connect through Hong Kong to destinations across Southeast Asia, Australia and North America. Urumqi’s strategic location also provides travellers with convenient access to key destinations across Central Asia, supporting tourism, business and cultural exchanges between the regions.
Urumqi: A Gateway to Xinjiang
Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, is a major aviation and commercial hub in Northwest China and an important city along the Silk Road Economic Belt. The destination combines modern urban attractions with dramatic mountain and grassland landscapes. Popular attractions include the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and the Tianshan Grand Canyon.
Through Urumqi’s regional aviation network, travellers can also reach popular destinations such as Kashgar, Yining and Altay. The new Hong Kong–Urumqi service is expected to strengthen Hong Kong Airlines’ presence in Northwest China while creating additional air links along the Belt and Road. The route also contributes to Hong Kong’s development as an international aviation and tourism hub.
