Air China launches direct flights between Brussels and the cities of Beijing and Chengdu

Air China’s inaugural direct flight from Brussels to Beijing was sprayed by arching jets of water from two fire engines as it prepared to take off for the Chinese capital at Brussels Airport on Tuesday.

The traditional water cannon salute by firefighters marked a special occasion for both the Chinese national carrier and Belgium’s national airport.

Air China has launched direct flights between the Belgian capital and Beijing, as well as Sichuan Province capital Chengdu. The Brussels to Beijing service operates daily with a Airbus A330-200 aircraft, while the Brussels to Chengdu route runs three times a week with A330-300 aircraft on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

For Brussels Airport, the new routes reinforce its position as a primary European entry point for flights from Asia. They include Hainan Airlines' four round-trip flights per week between the two capitals and Juneyao Air's flights to Shanghai three days a week.

In welcoming Air China, Brussels Airport chief executive Arnaud Feist said:  “These new routes enhance our Asian and intercontinental network and strengthen our ties with China. They will improve connectivity for passengers and businesses while fostering closer cultural and economic relations between our countries.”

The airport’s role as a European hub is also strengthened by Air China’s membership of the Star Alliance network.

For the Chinese national carrier, the launch of the two new routes increases its European network to almost 20 destinations.

By offering flights to Chengdu, it diversifies the offer for travellers to China. The capital of the Sichuan Province in the southwest of the country is already a popular destination for domestic tourists. Renowned for its gastronomy, giant panda conservation and blend of rich history and modernity, it is now targeting international visitors.

The expansion of Asian routes to Belgium and Europe comes as global aviation makes significant headway in returning to pre-Covid figures.

Meanwhile, the current Middle East conflict has disrupted air travel, particularly for the region’s carriers. It is also driving airfares higher due to the soaring cost of fuel.

But the increased rivalry among Chinese carriers in Brussels means that ticket prices for business and leisure travellers to China should remain competitive for a while.

Thai Airways promotes its Perth route

In other travel news, Thai Airways is promoting its service from Brussels to Perth in Western Australia.

The only airline operating direct flights between Brussels and Bangkok offers passengers a 19-hour flight time between the Belgian capital and Perth, which includes a stop-over in the Thai capital.

At a recent travel industry event in Brussels, the Thai national carrier outlined its continuing expansion post-Covid.

District sales manager Katrien Depauw said the focus on inflight service across all cabin classes gave travellers the opportunity to sample Thai street food and other local products. The company’s new initiative ‘Taste and Tales’ combined gourmet dining with sustainability and social values. Economy passengers could try heritage dishes such as pad thai prepared by famous Bangkok chef Jay Fai, the first female street food chef to earn a Michelin star.

With air traffic to Asia now buoyant, Thai Airways was busy renewing its fleet and modernising its cabins. The company was also introducing Premium Economy class to improve passengers’ options, said Depauw.

Belgians are increasingly interested in Perth as a destination, according to its airport’s vice president for aviation business development Pan Pan. More than 10,000 visited the Western Australian capital in 2025, he said.

With the flight time between Brussels and Perth only six hours, the city was an ideal gateway to Australia.

Western Australia travel specialist Julie Wheelhouse presented the holiday options for the vast region. Thanks to its four distinct climate zones, it was an ideal all-year-round destination, said the general manager of BKB Holidays.

Highlights included the stunning coastline and reefs, the remote region around Kimberly, vineyards and stunning landscapes best explored by car or motorhome.

Photos: Air China ©fayepynaert; Thai Airways event: Julie Wheelhouse, Katrien Depauw, Pan Pan