In an exciting development for Australian travellers, China Southern Airlines has announced the launch of a direct service between Sydney and Beijing Daxing Airport, starting 13 December 2024. This new route will operate four times a week, making Sydney the first Australian city to connect with Beijing’s second airport, Daxing.

A New Gateway to Beijing

Beijing Daxing Airport, completed in June 2019 and nicknamed “the starfish” due to its unique design, is renowned as the world’s largest single-building terminal. Since its opening, Daxing has hosted 65 Chinese and international airlines, served over 127 million passengers, and handled more than 980,000 flight movements. The airport currently offers flights to 35 international destinations, with Sydney becoming its first destination in Oceania.

Enhanced Connectivity and Comfort

The new Sydney-Daxing flights will be operated by Airbus A333 aircraft, featuring 28 Business Class seats and 258 Economy Class seats. This service is set to significantly enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to mainland China, providing more options and convenience.

Sydney Airport’s Commitment to Growth

Greg Botham, Group Executive of Aviation Growth & Group Strategy at Sydney Airport, expressed pride in this milestone, stating, “We are proud to be the first airport in Australia offering flights to Beijing Daxing, providing passengers with unprecedented choice and convenience when travelling to Sydney. This marks another step in our commitment to improving connectivity with mainland China.”

Boosting Travel and Economic Recovery

With the travel market recovering to nearly 90% in the first half of 2024 and peaking at 97% in July, these new flights are expected to add much-needed capacity and support further recovery. This move reinforces Sydney’s position as the premier gateway for traffic to and from China, offering a strong impetus for tourism and business travel.

Looking Forward

The new flight schedule is part of a 10-week initial season, with Sydney Airport being the first in Australia to offer services to Beijing Daxing four times per week. As the market recovers, these flights will link Australia and China, fostering better connectivity and economic growth.

Are you excited about the new direct flights to Beijing Daxing? How do you think this will impact travel between Australia and China?