At the end of April, a new direct flight was launched connecting Vienna, Austria, and Xi'an, China — two of the world's most culturally rich cities. This marked the restoration of a record number of direct flights between the two countries.

The first flight, which departed from the city in northwest China, arrived at Vienna Airport on April 20 and was greeted with a traditional water salute.

After a slow post-pandemic recovery, the Austrian capital now offers direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Xi'an, strengthening its ambition to become a major European travel hub for Asia.

Julian Jäger, CEO of Vienna Airport, said: "We have more than twenty flights per week between China and Austria, and we have reached pre-pandemic levels. So we are very happy with this connection. I think especially in such challenging geopolitical times, it is very important to have direct links between China and Austria."

Industry representatives stated that the new route was launched during a period of sharply rising demand for air travel between Europe and Asia, as travelers avoid transit hubs in the Middle East due to disruptions caused by ongoing instability in the region.

Ernst Woller, a member of the advisory board of the Austrian-Chinese Business Association, noted: "This is independent of the global situation, perhaps also of the Middle East, because this flight operates on a different route."

The improved air connection is finally bringing visitor numbers closer to pre-pandemic levels. While Chinese tourists are drawn not only to Vienna's imperial palaces, China's cultural treasures are increasingly attracting European travelers as well.

Jäger said: "Xi'an is a beautiful city. I visited the Terracotta Army, which is really impressive. And I would highly recommend every Austrian to visit China in general and Xi'an in particular."

Meanwhile, Vienna is counting on the new route to further increase the influx of tourists from China.

Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board, said: "Chinese guests are especially important for us in the luxury segment, because there is a huge elite tourism market in China, and this is very important for Vienna as well."

The new connection will not only increase passenger traffic but also cargo capacity. Direct flights to Asia are crucial for goods requiring urgent delivery, such as high-tech products and pharmaceuticals. The very first flight delivered twelve tons of freight to the Austrian capital.