Belgium Joins China As Travel Accessibility Increases With Hainan Airlines Launching Direct Brussels-Chongqing Flights, Facilitating Easy Connections To Asia

Published on November 24, 2025

Belgium joins China as a key travel link with the launch of Hainan Airlines’ new direct route between Brussels and Chongqing, strengthening air connectivity between Europe and China’s rapidly developing southwest. This new service, operating three times a week, marks the fourth direct flight from Brussels to China, enhancing travel options for both business and leisure travelers. The addition of this route opens up new opportunities for passengers to explore Chongqing and other parts of China, while also facilitating easier connections for Chinese travelers heading to Europe. With the growing demand for air travel between the two regions, this expansion underscores the increasing importance of direct international routes in fostering global trade and tourism.

On Saturday, Hainan Airlines introduced a direct passenger route between Brussels, Belgium, and Chongqing, a major city in southwest China. This new service enhances the airline’s connectivity between Belgium and the western region of China, providing more travel options for both business and leisure travelers.

Flight HU470, which operates three times a week, marks Hainan Airlines’ fourth direct link from Brussels to China. Previously, the airline had established routes to Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. With this new addition, Hainan Airlines now runs a total of 17 weekly flights between Belgium and China, further solidifying its position as a key player in the growing air traffic between Europe and China.

The new Brussels-Chongqing route is expected to benefit both Chinese and Belgian travelers. For Chinese passengers, it offers a more convenient gateway to Europe, while Belgian passengers can now travel directly to Chongqing or use the city as a stopover before continuing their journey to other Chinese destinations or throughout Asia.

Hainan Airlines’ expansion of its European network coincides with the Chinese government’s visa-free policy for foreign visitors. Under this policy, travelers planning to stay in China for less than 15 days can visit without the need for a visa, which simplifies travel for both business and tourism. This offers great flexibility for travelers on the new Brussels-Chongqing service, especially for those looking to explore Chongqing before heading to Chengdu, the famous home of the giant panda.

Brussels Airport officials have expressed great enthusiasm about the new route, emphasizing its potential to strengthen ties between Belgium and China. The airport anticipates that the additional flights will facilitate greater cultural and economic exchange, while also supporting travelers connecting to other destinations in Asia.

In addition to the operational impact, the airport has also signaled its intention to further expand its cooperation with Chinese carriers. The success of the Brussels-Chongqing route is expected to be a catalyst for more direct connections between Belgium and various cities across China in the coming years. Brussels Airport is already looking ahead to 2026, with plans to add more direct flights to other major Chinese cities.

The Brussels-Chongqing service will not only make it easier for Chinese nationals to travel to Belgium, but it will also serve as an important stepping stone for Belgian businesses and tourists eager to explore China. With direct flights linking Brussels to the western Chinese region, Belgian travelers will have easier access to one of China’s most dynamic and rapidly developing areas.

Chongqing itself is a vibrant metropolis known for its rich history, sprawling urban development, and unique culinary traditions. As one of the largest cities in China, it has become a significant economic and cultural hub in the southwest. The city’s strategic location along the Yangtze River also positions it as a key player in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to improve trade and connectivity across the Eurasian continent.

Hainan Airlines’ decision to launch this new route to Chongqing is part of a broader trend of increasing connectivity between China and Europe. Airlines have been expanding their international networks to meet the growing demand for travel between these regions, particularly in light of the post-pandemic recovery. With the easing of travel restrictions and the revival of business and tourism, direct flights like the Brussels-Chongqing service are expected to become even more valuable.

The launch of the Brussels-Chongqing route also underscores the significance of China’s western regions in global economic and diplomatic circles. Chongqing, as a transportation and manufacturing hub, is attracting international investment, and having direct air links to major European cities like Brussels will undoubtedly facilitate greater business collaboration. Moreover, with China being Belgium’s second-largest trading partner outside of Europe, improving air connectivity is crucial for maintaining and growing bilateral trade.

The new service is a reflection of the expanding role of air travel in fostering stronger ties between Europe and China. As the world’s largest economy, China remains an important destination for European travelers, and enhanced air links such as this one make it easier for people and businesses to engage with China’s diverse and rapidly growing markets.

Hainan Airlines’ route expansion is expected to play a key role in facilitating tourism and business exchanges, strengthening ties between China and Belgium, and opening up new opportunities for travelers and companies alike. With increasing demand for flights between Europe and China, the addition of the Brussels-Chongqing service is just the beginning, with more flights and connections expected to follow in the coming years.

As airlines continue to develop new routes to serve this growing market, passengers will benefit from more options and improved travel experiences, making it easier than ever to explore China’s vast and diverse regions. Whether for business, leisure, or cultural exploration, the Brussels-Chongqing route is sure to open doors for travelers eager to experience all that China has to offer.

Belgium joins China as a key travel hub with Hainan Airlines’ new direct Brussels-Chongqing route, strengthening connectivity between Europe and southwest China. This new service enhances travel options for both business and leisure travelers, fostering economic and tourism ties between the regions.

Hainan Airlines’ new direct service between Brussels and Chongqing is a significant milestone in strengthening the air links between Belgium and China. As travel demand increases and both countries continue to deepen their economic and cultural ties, it is likely that this route will become a popular and valuable connection for passengers from both regions. This expansion highlights the growing importance of direct flights in facilitating global travel and fostering international relationships.