China strengthened its Central Asian connectivity today with the inaugural Beijing-Dushanbe direct flight, marking a strategic aviation expansion ahead of an upcoming regional summit. The landmark Air China flight departed Beijing Daxing International Airport at noon local time, carrying 173 passengers to Tajikistan's capital.
The new route reduces travel time between the two cities by nearly five hours, eliminating previous stopovers. Analysts note the timing aligns with China's efforts to enhance infrastructure cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, particularly as Central Asian nations seek post-pandemic economic revitalization.
A Tajik civil aviation official stated: "This air bridge will accelerate business exchanges and cultural understanding. We anticipate 30% growth in bilateral tourism within the first year." The route will operate three weekly flights using Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The development comes two weeks before the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, where regional connectivity and security partnerships are expected to dominate discussions. Transportation Ministry data shows China-Central Asia air passenger traffic has rebounded to 128% of pre-pandemic levels this quarter.
