Hong Kong Airlines has successfully inaugurated its first direct service between Hong Kong and Urumqi on 29 August.
Operated by an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft, the new twice-weekly service strengthens connectivity between Hong Kong and Northwest China. Inaugural celebrations took place at both Hong Kong International Airport and Urumqi Tianshan International Airport to mark the launch.
Hong Kong Airlines Expands Connectivity to Northwest China
Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, said:
“Hong Kong Airlines is committed to developing more new destinations and offering travellers a wider range of travel options. The launch of this new destination also responds to the nation’s policy of expanding Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents travelling to Hong Kong and Macao.
“It will help attract more visitors from Xinjiang and Northwest China to Hong Kong, while also enabling them to connect more conveniently through Hong Kong to popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and North America.
“Through Urumqi, travellers can also connect readily to key destinations across Central Asia, which in line with the HKSAR Government’s policy of fostering closer cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Central Asia.”
The new route therefore supports both tourism and wider regional connectivity. It also gives travellers in Northwest China more convenient access to Hong Kong and onward international destinations.
Discover Urumqi, the Gateway to Northwest China
Urumqi is the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is an important hub in Northwest China and the geographical centre of Asia.
The city has also developed into a core city on the Silk Road Economic Belt. In addition, it serves as an important international commercial hub.
Modern skyscrapers rise against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Nearby grasslands offer vast, open landscapes.
Urumqi experiences four distinct seasons. Its striking scenery includes snow-covered peaks that can be seen in both winter and summer.
Top Attractions in Urumqi
Visitors can explore a range of distinctive cultural and natural attractions in and around Urumqi.
The Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar features a strong Western Regions character. Meanwhile, the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum houses an extensive collection of historical artefacts.
For nature lovers, Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and the Tianshan Grand Canyon offer spectacular landscapes.
Together, these attractions showcase the region’s diverse culture, history and natural scenery.
Connecting Xinjiang With Hong Kong and Beyond
Urumqi’s position as an aviation hub provides travellers with further connections across Xinjiang.
Upon arrival, passengers can connect via the intra-Xinjiang interline network to popular tourist cities such as Kashgar, Yining and Altay.
Hong Kong Airlines’ international network adds further options. Travellers from Xinjiang and Northwest China arriving in Hong Kong can connect onwards to destinations including Tokyo, Osaka and Bangkok.
They can also continue to Sydney, Melbourne and Vancouver.
The new Urumqi service further strengthens Hong Kong Airlines’ development in Northwest China. It also builds additional air links between Hong Kong and key hubs along the Belt and Road.
As a result, the new route supports Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub while improving connectivity between Northwest China, Hong Kong and international markets.
Check Flights
Travelers planning their trips may find the following tools useful for comparing prices for hotels, tours, and travel experiences across multiple booking platforms.
- Compare hotel prices on Trip.com
- Book hotels on Booking.com
- Check tours and experience on Klook
- Discover and book travel options on Traveloka
Disclosure: This page contains affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Travel Tools
This suitcase, now available with an exclusive reader offer (see sidebar ad for details), is also featured in our curated travel gear recommendations for frequent travelers.
Related Coverage
Vietnam Sees 90% Surge in Chinese Travel Interest Amid New Flight Connections, Agoda Data Reveals
Malaysia Airlines Expands China Network with New Shenzhen and Changsha Flights
Vietnam Airlines expands Northeast Asia flights as travel demand rises
Singapore Airlines Doubles London Gatwick Flights for Summer 2026, Adds Exclusive Kids’ Travel Cards
