Air China. Photo: Soos Jozsef / Shutterstock.com Air China is expanding its European network with the launch of a new Beijing Capital–Bucharest–Zagreb service, marking the airline's return to Romania after more than three decades and introducing its first scheduled flights to Croatia.
The new route is scheduled to begin on September 4, 2026, with reservations now available through the airline's booking system.
Bucharest, Romania. Photo: ShutterstockThe service will operate via Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, restoring a connection that Air China last served in March 1994. It also adds Zagreb to the carrier's European destination map for the first time.
Zagreb, Croatia. Photo: ShutterstockAccording to the published schedule, the route will be operated by an Airbus A330-200.
Flight CA913 will depart Beijing Capital International Airport at 00:30 and arrive in Zagreb at 09:55 after a total journey of 15 hours and 25 minutes, including a three-hour stop in Bucharest.
On the return journey, flight CA914 will leave Bucharest at 17:25 and arrive in Beijing at 08:05 the following day after a flight time of approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes, before continuing from Zagreb via Bucharest.
Beijing, China. Photo: ShutterstockThe launch further expands Air China's presence in Europe as demand for travel between China and the continent continues to recover. For Romania, the new service restores a direct air link with China that has been absent for more than 32 years, offering both business and leisure travelers easier access to Beijing and onward destinations across Asia.
As a member of the Star Alliance, Air China provides connections to an extensive global network, allowing passengers from Bucharest and Zagreb to access destinations throughout China and beyond via its hub at Beijing Capital International Airport.
The new route is expected to strengthen tourism, trade and business ties between China, Romania and Croatia while improving long-haul connectivity in Southeast Europe.