China Eastern Airlines' Northwest Division launched two new direct international routes on Dec 20, connecting Xi'an to Nagoya, Japan, and Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam.

Passengers queue to check in at Xi'an Xianyang International Airport. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The inaugural flights took off from Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, significantly expanding international travel options from Xi'an and reducing travel times from over 10 to around four hours.

The Xi'an-Phu Quoc route, with flight numbers MU861/2, operates three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Flights depart Xi'an at 4:45 pm and arrive in Phu Quoc at 7:50 pm local time. Return flights leave Phu Quoc at 9 pm local time and land in Xi'an at 1:55 am the following day, offering convenient scheduling for travelers seeking tropical escapes.

Passengers of the Xi'an-Phu Quoc route pose for a photo. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The Xi'an-Nagoya route, MU2025/6, operates on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Departures from Xi'an are scheduled for 1:30 pm and arrive in Nagoya at 6:15 pm local time. The return leg departs Nagoya at 7:15 pm and reaches Xi'an at 11:25 pm, catering to business and leisure travelers looking for direct access to Central Japan.

Passengers of the Xi'an- Nagoya route pose for a photo. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

China Eastern Airlines plans to launch the Ordos-Xi'an-Hong Kong route on Dec 29. The flight, continuing under the MU203/4 designation, departs Ordos at 7:15 am, arriving in Xi'an at 8:40 am. It then continues to Hong Kong at 10:25 am, landing at 1:40 pm. Return flights depart Hong Kong at 2:45 pm, arriving in Xi'an at 6:15 pm, and proceed to Ordos at 9 pm, reaching the destination by 10:35 pm.

As of Dec 20, China Eastern operates four intercontinental routes, eight Asian routes, and one regional route from Xi'an.