Translated with AI
On Monday, June 16, the first direct passenger flights between the capitals of Tajikistan and China – Dushanbe and Beijing – were officially opened. This was reported by the NIAT "Khovar" correspondent from the scene.
The first flight on the Beijing-Dushanbe route was operated by China Southern Airlines with a stop at Beijing Daxing International Airport. The opening ceremony took place on the morning of June 16 and became an important stage in the development of transport and business cooperation between the two countries.
Director of the Civil Aviation Agency under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan Khabibullo Nazarzoda described the launch of the direct flight as a historically significant event, emphasizing its importance for further strengthening bilateral relations and developing air traffic between China and Tajikistan.
“This route is not just a means of transport for passengers, but a symbol of mutual trust, expanded cooperation and cultural exchange between our countries,” Nazarzoda said.
Deputy General Director of China Southern Airlines Qu Guangji noted that the new flight creates a convenient air bridge that will promote trade, tourism and cultural ties between China and Tajikistan. According to him, the opening of direct flights will give new impetus to deepening partnerships and regional integration.
The first flight was carried out on a modern Boeing 787 aircraft, and in the future it is planned to use Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Flights will be carried out twice a week – on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Flight schedule:
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Departure from Beijing (Daxing Airport) at 17:00, arrival in Dushanbe at 21:00 local time.
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The return flight departs Dushanbe at 22:30, arriving in Beijing the next day at 07:20.
Travel time is about 7 hours one way and about 6 hours back.
For the convenience of passengers, Beijing Daxing Airport has organized additional check-in counters, installed new signs and electronic boards, and strengthened the service of Russian-speaking employees who help passengers with paperwork, check-in and baggage drop-off. Particular attention is paid to elderly passengers, children and families with children – they are provided with comfortable seats and detailed instructions on how to go through all stages of boarding.
The international check-in counter (C36) features an innovative AI transparent panel that provides real-time consultation and support in 14 languages, making communication and check-in much easier.
To ensure the safety of the maiden flight, two captains have been appointed. The interior of the aircraft is decorated in a modern Chinese aesthetic with traditional decorative elements such as embroidery and decorative lanterns in the form of the symbol of "two magpies, bringing good fortune."
Passengers were treated to Chinese cuisine including chicken with abalone and peach blossom cake, as well as European delicacies such as beef with garnish. Entertainment activities including traditional sign dance and quizzes with prizes were held throughout the flight, adding to the festive atmosphere and allowing passengers to celebrate the momentous occasion with the crew.
The opening of the flight was the result of the implementation of the instructions of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan, the respected Emomali Rahmon, aimed at expanding cooperation with the People's Republic of China in the field of civil aviation.
Expanding air traffic between Tajikistan and China is one of the priority areas of bilateral cooperation and was actively discussed during the state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Dushanbe in July 2024.
As part of the implementation of these tasks, in March 2025, a delegation from the Civil Aviation Administration of China visited Tajikistan, during which negotiations were held between the Director of the Civil Aviation Agency of Tajikistan, Habibullo Nazarzoda, and representatives of the Chinese side – First Deputy General Director Ma Bing and Commercial Director of China Southern Airlines Wang Zhen.
In recent years, with the support of the country's top leadership, there has been an increase in the number of international flights from Tajikistan. Routes to Istanbul, Dubai, Moscow, Almaty, Tashkent, Delhi and Tehran are actively developing. This contributes to the development of the country's transit potential and the strengthening of economic, cultural and tourist ties.
In the future, it is planned to continue expanding cooperation with leading global airlines, which will increase the frequency and number of international flights, as well as improve the quality of passenger service.
