Direct International Flights To Beijing Resume

A flight from Cambodia landed in Beijing on Thursday morning, marking the resumption of direct international flights to the capital city thanks to an easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

The city of Beijing announced on Wednesday that direct inbound flights from eight countries – Cambodia, Thailand, Pakistan, Greece, Denmark, Austria, Sweden and Canada – would resume gradually.

Mainland authorities said those countries pose a low risk of cross-border infection.

Passengers must test negative for coronavirus before boarding Beijing-bound flights.

At Beijing Capital International Airport, passengers on board the flight from Phnom Penh were tested for Covid-19 upon arrival. They were given nucleic acid tests and had their temperature taken in a special section of the airport. All travellers will also undergo a mandatory 14-day medical observation.

The number of passengers on direct international flights to Beijing will be capped at about 500 each day during the trial period.

In March, China started to redirect all international flights headed for Beijing to 12 other Chinese cities, where passengers must undergo customs clearance and quarantine. Those passing quarantine inspection were permitted to fly to Beijing on their original flights. (RTHK/Xinhua)