CHINA> Taiwan, HK, Macao
Two new direct cross-Straits air routes added
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-29 10:54

BEIJING: Two cross-Straits direct flight routes linking the Chinese mainland and Taiwan were launched at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, bringing the total of direct flights to three.

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The Chinese mainland and Taiwan started direct air and sea transport and postal services on December 15 amid warming ties, ending a 59-year ban on such links.

Previously, air and sea movements -- including mail -- had to rerouted through a third location.

The first direct cross-Straits flight route cut flight time significantly as planes are no longer required to fly through Hong Kong's airspace.