Air China Connects China and Croatia with New Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb Route

Air China has launched a new scheduled service connecting Beijing, Bucharest and Zagreb. The airline will operate three flights a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays using an Airbus A330-200.

The introduction of Air China’s scheduled service opens up new travel opportunities for both leisure and business travellers while strengthening connectivity between the Croatian and Chinese markets. The new route is expected to contribute to further growth in tourist arrivals, while also fostering stronger economic ties, new investment opportunities and broader economic cooperation between the two countries. The arrival of the inaugural flight was marked by a special ceremony at Franjo Tuđman Airport, attended by numerous distinguished guests and representatives of government institutions, the tourism sector, the business community and the aviation industry.

Alongside representatives of the Management Board of Zagreb International Airport, the guests were addressed by His Excellency Qi Qianjin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of CroatiaAlongside representatives of the Management Board of Zagreb International Airport, the guests were addressed by His Excellency Qi Qianjin, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Republic of Croatia, who said: “This air route between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Croatia goes beyond its role as a transport connection; it represents a bridge of friendship between our peoples. The establishment of this direct link will further enhance opportunities for bilateral cooperation and provide strong momentum for exchange, mutual learning and closer ties in the fields of business, tourism, culture, sport, education and other areas of mutual interest.” “Ova zračna linija između Narodne Republike Kine i Republike Hrvatske nadilazi svoju prometnu funkciju te predstavlja most prijateljstva koji povezuje naše narode. Uspostava ove izravne veze dodatno će unaprijediti mogućnosti bilateralne suradnje i dati snažan zamah razmjeni te međusobnom učenju i povezivanju u području gospodarstva, turizma, kulture, sporta, obrazovanja i drugih područja od obostranog interesa.“

Monika Udovičić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, also addressed the guests, highlighting the importance of the new route for Croatian tourism and bilateral relations between Croatia and China: “The launch of this route represents an important step forward for Croatian tourism, strengthening our connection with one of the world’s most important outbound tourism markets. Chinese visitors are extremely important to Croatian tourism, and I am particularly pleased that this new service will provide them with even more opportunities to travel to Croatia easily and conveniently. Building a strong presence in long-haul markets requires continuous efforts through improved transport connections, promotion and long-term partnerships, and this route represents an important step in that direction. Better connectivity also creates greater opportunities for economic, investment and sporting cooperation, while further strengthening relations between Croatia and China. I believe this route will contribute to positioning Croatia even more strongly in the Chinese market.”

The scheduled Beijing–Bucharest–Zagreb service opens a new chapter in relations between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Croatia, bringing people, economies and communities closer together. By strengthening air connectivity and creating new opportunities for cooperation, the route will contribute to the long-term development of tourism, economic relations and cultural exchange, while further reinforcing the role of Franjo Tuđman Airport as Croatia’s main international aviation hub.