Hainan Airlines launched a new direct international flight on Saturday, connecting Beijing Capital International Airport to Oslo, Norway. This marks the first direct passenger route between the two countries since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Haikou-based carrier will operate the new route with three round-trip flights per week, scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, serves as the nation’s political, economic, and cultural hub, and is home to major events such as the annual Nobel Peace Prize awarding ceremony. The city’s strategic location as a major port further underscores its global significance.
Hainan Airlines emphasized that the new flight service enhances travel convenience for both Chinese and Norwegian passengers, offering a gateway to experience the unique cultural offerings of both nations. The airline also noted that the launch of this route aims to foster the continued growth of China-Norway relations.
Henning Kristoffersen, the commercial counselor at the Norwegian Embassy in China, highlighted that the direct flight would strengthen tourism, economic, and cultural exchanges between the two nations. He expressed optimism about attracting more Norwegian tourists and businesses to China, and encouraged Chinese companies to explore investment opportunities in Norway to expand their global reach.
Looking ahead, Hainan Airlines announced plans to further develop Beijing as a key aviation hub, contributing to the growth of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region through an expanded network of routes and top-tier service offerings.
