DUSHANBE, 16.06.2025 (NIAT Khovar) – Direct passenger flights between Dushanbe and Beijing were officially launched on June 16.

This is the first direct air route between the capitals of Tajikistan and China operated by a Chinese airline.

Habibullo Nazarzoda, Director of the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, emphasized that the launch of this direct passenger route is a historic milestone in civil aviation cooperation between Tajikistan and China.

“This route is not only a means of transportation between our two countries, but also a symbol of strengthening bilateral relations, constructive cooperation, and mutual respect,” – said Nazarzoda.

Qu Guangji, Deputy General Director of China Southern Airlines Group, noted that the opening of the direct Beijing–Dushanbe flight establishes a more convenient air bridge between China and Tajikistan.

«It is expected to promote bilateral trade, cultural exchanges, tourism cooperation, and give new momentum to the development of relations and regional connectivity,» — added he.

The inaugural flight was operated by a Boeing 787, with future flights to be served by a Boeing 737-8 twice a week – on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

The departure from Beijing Daxing Airport is scheduled at 17:00, with arrival in Dushanbe at 21:00. The return flight departs Dushanbe at 22:30, arriving in Beijing the next day at 07:20. The flight duration is approximately 7 hours outbound and 6 hours return.

In order to ensure smooth boarding and customer service, China Southern established additional check-in counters, guidance signs, electronic displays, and information desks at Daxing Airport. The airline strengthened its team of Russian-speaking staff to assist passengers with documentation, check-in procedures, and baggage handling. Special attention was given to elderly travelers, children, and families by providing them with pre-assigned seating and step-by-step travel instructions.

A newly installed AI-powered transparent smart panel at international check-in desk C36, capable of real-time translation in 14 languages, offered intelligent travel assistance to passengers.

It should be noted that the expansion of flights between Tajikistan and China is among the priority areas of bilateral aviation cooperation and was discussed during the State Visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Tajikistan in July 2024.