Hong Kong Airlines Launches First-Ever Nonstop Hong Kong-Urumqi Flight to Unlock New Northwest China Connections

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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August 31, 2026 10:49 AM |

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Hong Kong Airlines has launched its first-ever nonstop connection linking Hong Kong with Urumqi, beginning operations on 29 August. The new route is operated with an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft and will run twice a week, creating a stronger air link between Hong Kong and China’s northwestern region. Special launch ceremonies were organised at Hong Kong International Airport and Urumqi Tianshan International Airport to celebrate the start of the new service and highlight the expanded travel opportunities between the two destinations.

Mr Jeff Sun, President of Hong Kong Airlines, said: “Hong Kong Airlines is committed to developing more new destinations and offering travellers a wider range of travel options. The launch of this new destination also responds to the nation’s policy of expanding Individual Visit Scheme for mainland residents travelling to Hong Kong and Macao. It will help attract more visitors from Xinjiang and Northwest China to Hong Kong, while also enabling them to connect more conveniently through Hong Kong to popular destinations in Southeast Asia, Australia and North America. Through Urumqi, travellers can also connect readily to key destinations across Central Asia, which in line with the HKSAR Government’s policy of fostering closer cooperation and exchanges between Hong Kong and Central Asia.”

Urumqi, the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, serves as a major gateway in Northwest China and is widely recognised as the geographic heart of Asia. Positioned along the historic Silk Road Economic Belt, the city has developed into a significant centre for trade, connectivity and international exchanges. Urumqi presents a unique blend of modern urban development and dramatic natural landscapes, where high-rise buildings rise beneath snow-covered mountain ranges and vast grasslands stretch across the surrounding region. The city experiences four distinct seasons, offering visitors breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks throughout the year.

The destination features a diverse collection of cultural and natural attractions. Travellers can discover the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar, known for its distinctive Western Regions architecture and local cultural atmosphere, or visit the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Museum, which preserves a rich collection of historical treasures and regional heritage. Beyond the city, visitors can explore natural wonders including Heavenly Lake (Tianchi) and the spectacular Tianshan Grand Canyon, both showcasing the unique beauty of Xinjiang’s landscapes.

Taking advantage of Urumqi’s role as a key aviation gateway, travellers can easily continue their journeys across Xinjiang through the region’s interconnected air network. The connectivity allows visitors arriving in Urumqi to access popular destinations such as Kashgar, Yining and Altay. Through Hong Kong Airlines’ wider international network, passengers from Xinjiang and Northwest China can also transit through Hong Kong and connect to major global destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, Bangkok, Sydney, Melbourne and Vancouver.

The introduction of the new route is expected to further expand air connectivity between Hong Kong and Northwest China while supporting stronger links with important locations along the Belt and Road region. The service will contribute to the growth of regional tourism, business travel and international exchanges while strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a leading global aviation hub.

Hong Kong Airlines flight schedule* between Hong Kong and Urumqi is as follows (All times local):

Flight numbers and operating schedules are subject to change at any time without prior notification.

Passengers can now book tickets through the official Hong Kong Airlines website. For further information, ticket sales, and booking assistance, travellers can visit the airline’s website or contact the Hong Kong Airlines Call Centre at (852) 3916 3666 in Hong Kong.