Beijing-Manchester air route marks 10 years of connecting China and northern England

A ceremony was held in Manchester, England on Monday to mark the 10th anniversary of Hainan Airlines' Beijing-Manchester route, bringing together about 60 guests from Chinese and United Kingdom government institutions, the aviation and tourism sectors, and business communities. During the past decade, the daily service has become one of the most important air links connecting China with northern England.

The route carries around 200,000 passengers each year. Through Beijing's hub network, travelers can reach major cities across China as well as destinations in Japan, South Korea, and Thailand. The service has become an important gateway between Greater Manchester and the Asia-Pacific region, supporting trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between China and the UK.

During the event, Hainan Airlines and its partners looked back on the route's development and discussed opportunities for future aviation and tourism cooperation. Speakers highlighted the route's contribution to regional connectivity and expressed confidence in its continued growth as international travel recovers following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking to China Daily, Tang Rui, China's consul general in Manchester, said the route has supported practical cooperation and cultural exchanges between China and northern England during the past 10 years. He noted that growing bilateral engagement and China's visa facilitation policies for UK travelers are creating new opportunities for closer ties.

The anniversary also comes as China expands visa-free access for UK passport holders. Announced following UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's visit to China earlier this year and effective since Feb 17, the policy allows stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges, and transit, making travel between the two countries more convenient.