Capital Airlines to resume direct flight between China, Portugal in late August

China's Capital Airlines announced on Monday that it will resume its direct flights between China and Portugal from Aug. 30 with three flights per week.

Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Cai Run told a press conference here that the resumption of direct flights between China and Portugal on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, will definitely promote the exchange of personnel of the two countries.

"The Sino-Portuguese cooperation in various fields, ranging from investment and trade to tourism, culture and education, will usher in new opportunities and broader developments," the ambassador said, adding that the resumption of direct flights between the two countries and the opening of the Beijing-Xi'an-Lisbon route will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation.

Luis Araujo, president of Portuguese Tourism Authorities, said that the opening of the Lisbon-Xi'an-Beijing route will not only facilitate the movements of the two peoples, but also promote business activities between China and Portugal, Portugese-speaking countries and "Belt and Road" nations.

The move is expected to provide assistance to the realization of "comprehensive strategic partnership" and win-win cooperation between Portugal and China, he said.

Capital Airlines opened the Hangzhou-Beijing-Lisbon route on July 26, 2017, the first flight between China and Portugal. However, it suspended the flights last October.

In 2017, some 250,000 Chinese tourist arrivals in Portugal were recorded.