Asian air route updates: New flights to Bali, Okinawa, Barcelona and more

Another direct Chinese connection between Bali and China

Where? Fuzhou (China) to Denpasar (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective 26 March 2017
Who? Xiamen Airlines
Why? Fujian province’s fast-expanding airline taps soaring demand for Chinese travel to Bali
Anything else? Bali is one of a series of new Southeast Asian destinations being launched by Xiamen Airlines this summer, along with Phuket and Cebu

Xi’an gets summer link with Okinawa

Where? Xi’an (China) to Okinawa (Japan)
When? Twice a week, effective 3 April 2017
Who? China Eastern Airlines
Why? A new summer service connects another major Chinese city with the popular Japanese beaches of Okinawa
Anything else? China Eastern already flies to Okinawa’s Naha Airport from Shanghai and Hangzhou

Mahan Air spreads wings to Spain

Where? Tehran (Iran) to Barcelona (Spain)
When? Twice a week, effective 22 June 2017
Who? Mahan Air
Why? Iranian airline takes advantage of a more liberal travel environment between Iran and the EU
Anything else? This will become the first non-stop service between Iran and Spain

First direct connection between China and Portugal

Where? Hangzhou (China) to Lisbon, pictured (Portugal)
When? Three times a week, effective 6 July 2017
Who? Beijing Capital Airlines
Why? Capitalising on rising interest in Iberian destinations among the Chinese outbound market
Anything else? Operating via Beijing, this will become the first flight connecting mainland China with Portugal