To further support the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its international route network, Loong Air will officially launch two direct international routes: GJ8557/8 Xi'an to Dushanbe, effective September 16th, and GJ8907/8 Xi'an to Bangkok, effective September 21st. The launch of these new routes marks Loong Air's renewed commitment to the Northwest China aviation market, further strengthening Xi'an's role as an international aviation hub in central and western China, and creating a more seamless air corridor for economic, trade, cultural, and tourism exchanges between China, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia.
The Xi'an to Dushanbe route will operate on Tuesdays and Fridays, while the Xi'an to Bangkok route will operate on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. These new routes not only expand Xi'an's international destinations but also provide frequent connections to key cities in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, better catering to diverse customer needs, including business travelers, holidaymakers, and cross-border cultural exchange. Dushanbe, the capital and political and economic center of Tajikistan, is a crucial hub connecting Central Asia. Bangkok, the capital of Thailand and one of Southeast Asia's most vibrant tourism and commercial hubs, targets the Central Asian and Southeast Asian markets, respectively. These two new routes not only fill the gap in direct flights between Xi'an and these two destinations for Loong Airlines, but also lower the barrier to entry with attractive fares: direct flights from Xi'an to Bangkok start from 250 RMB (excluding taxes), and direct flights from Xi'an to Dushanbe start from 1,500 RMB (excluding taxes). Loong Airlines will also offer a "direct flight + transfer" route model, connecting Northwest and North China with Central and Southeast Asian countries, providing convenient travel for passengers from multiple locations. Passengers from Chifeng and Baotou can transfer via Xi'an to Dushanbe, with fares starting from just 1,500 RMB (excluding taxes).
Loong Airlines consistently promotes regional coordinated development through network development. The addition of these two international routes originating from Xi'an not only demonstrates the airline's commitment to the Xi'an hub but also represents a powerful initiative in its "Western Expansion and Southward Expansion" strategy. By strengthening the hub's transit capabilities, the airline will enable more passengers from surrounding cities to enjoy the convenience and benefits of international travel. Going forward, Loong Airlines will continue to optimize its route network and flight schedules, enhance its "Spring Rain Service," and further consolidate its competitiveness and influence in the international aviation market.