On 22 November 2025, Hainan Airlines announced the official launch of its direct flight route between Brussels and Chongqing and held a grand inaugural ceremony at Brussels Airport. Airport and Hainan Airlines staff warmly welcomed passengers boarding the inaugural flight at the gate, presenting them with panda toys and chocolates. The airport then organized a ceremonial vehicle escort for flight HU470 as it taxied for departure. Distinguished guests attending the event included Ms. Li Yan, Chargé d'Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium; Counsellor Xie Yajing; Ms. Sylvie Van den Eynde, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer of Brussels Airport; Mr. Jan Van de Reydt, Head of Network Development at Brussels Airport; Mr. Maarten Evenepoel, Senior Manager Network Development at Brussels Airport; and Mr. Li Meng, General Manager of Hainan Airlines Brussels Office. Ms. Gwenn Sonck, Executive Director, Flanders-China Chamber of Commerce (FCCC), also attended the inauguration ceremony.
The inauguration of this new route establishes another efficient and seamless air bridge between China and Belgium, broadening prospects for economic cooperation and cultural exchange and further enhancing bilateral connectivity. “By opening this new Chongqing connection, Hainan Airlines reinforces its confidence in Brussels Airport as an important hub for travel between China and Europe. Each new route broadens the bridge between our regions, offering more choice for travellers and more opportunities for cooperation. We are proud of this partnership and look forward to supporting the continued expansion of Hainan Airlines from Brussels Airport.", says Sylvie Van den Eynde, Chief Passenger Aviation Officer at Brussels Airport.
This addition marks the airline's latest international service from Belgium to China, complementing its existing flights to Beijing, Shenzhen, and Shanghai. With this expansion, Hainan Airlines will operate a total of 17 weekly flights between Belgium and China, strengthening connectivity across China's Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern regions. This enhanced network will offer travelers more flight choices, foster cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries, and create further opportunities for bilateral trade and multisector collaboration.
The Brussels-Chongqing route will operate three times per week, with round-trip flights scheduled on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The outbound flight (HU470) will depart from Brussels Airport at 11:20 local time and arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport at 05:10 the following day (Beijing time), with an estimated duration of 10 hours and 50 minutes. Please note that flight schedules are subject to change. Passengers are encouraged to confirm details at the time of booking. The return flight (HU469) will depart Chongqing at 02:50 Beijing time and arrive in Brussels at 07:35 local time, taking approximately 11 hours and 45 minutes. Tickets can be booked via Hainan Airlines' official website, mobile app, WeChat official account, mini-program, customer service hotline (95339), as well as its ticket offices and authorized sales agents.
Chongqing (IATA: CKG) serves as a strategic hub for China's western development, a vital junction between the Belt and Road Initiative and the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and a key node along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. Hainan Airlines has established a significant operational presence in Chongqing, supporting the city's vision to become an international aviation hub. The carrier currently offers direct flights from Chongqing to numerous global destinations, including Seattle, Paris, Rome, Milan, Madrid, Osaka, Bangkok, and Auckland, building bridges between Southwest China and North America, Europe, and Asia. In addition to its international network, Hainan Airlines provides extensive domestic routes from Chongqing to major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Haikou, Sanya, and Urumqi. This seamless connectivity offers passengers from across China convenient access to international flights via Chongqing. The airline remains committed to enhancing its Chongqing hub with continuously optimized routes and high-quality service, further contributing to regional development.
As the capital of Belgium and often referred to as the "Heart of Europe," Brussels is home to major European Union institutions and NATO headquarters. The city artfully blends historical heritage with modern vitality, featuring stunning medieval architecture, vibrant cultural venues, and a distinctive skyline where contemporary skyscrapers stand alongside ancient landmarks.
To date, Hainan Airlines has resumed or launched over 70 international and regional routes from cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Haikou, Chongqing, Xian, Changsha, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Chengdu, Guiyang, Lanzhou, Yichang, and Changchun. The airline will continue to expand its global network in response to growing travel demand. As the only Skytrax Five-Star airline in the Chinese mainland, Hainan Airlines places the highest priority on safety and upholds its “Sincere Service” philosophy. Through its premium five-star service, the airline is dedicated to providing passengers with a safe, comfortable, and hassle-free travel experience, contributing to the high-quality development of China's civil aviation industry.
For more information, please visit the Hainan Airlines website www.hnair.com or www.hainanairlines.com or contact the service hotline at 95339. Note: All times are local. Flight information is subject to final confirmation on the official website.
