20 Years of "Sky-High" Beijing-Brussels Journeys Marked with Special Event

Hainan Airlines, China's fourth-largest airline, which recently launched its next-generation Airbus A330neo on the Beijing-Manchester route earlier in July, is marking a major milestone in its European network: 20 years of its Beijing–Brussels route 

The event was marked with a special promotional event in China on July 28 at the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport in partnership with Visit Flanders, highlighting two decades of air connectivity between China and Belgium.

Biejing, China. Photo: Shutterstock

First launched in 2006, the Beijing–Brussels service has become one of Hainan Airlines' longest-standing routes to Europe. Over the past 20 years, the connection has played an important role in facilitating tourism, business travel, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.

In a statement shared on social media, Hainan Airlines described the route as a bridge linking China and Europe and expressed optimism for its future, saying it looks forward to "many more sky-high journeys" connecting the two continents.

The Beijing–Brussels route has weathered significant changes in the aviation industry over the past two decades, including the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Its return and continued presence in Hainan Airlines' network highlight the importance of air connectivity between China and Europe.

Brussels Airport. Photo: Claudine Van Massenhove / Shutterstock

Brussels serves as a strategic gateway for travelers visiting Belgium and neighboring countries, while Beijing remains one of Asia's largest aviation hubs. The route has supported not only passenger traffic but also broader economic and tourism cooperation between the two regions.

As international travel demand continues to recover, Hainan Airlines' anniversary celebration highlights the enduring value of long-haul connections and the role airlines play in bringing people, cultures, and economies closer together.

The carrier currently operates an extensive international network spanning Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, with Brussels remaining a cornerstone of its presence in Europe.