Chongqing - The Paris 2024 Olympics have sparked a surge in travel interest in the French capital, leading Hainan Airlines to expand its direct flights between Chongqing and Paris starting August 19. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand and strengthen the two cities' economic, trade, and cultural exchanges.

Boeing B787 aircraft of Hainan Airlines. (Photo/Hainan Airlines)

From October 29, 2024, Hainan Airlines will increase its Chongqing-Paris flights to twice a week, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays. This route remains the only direct connection between China's central and western regions and Paris.

The flights will be serviced by Boeing B787 aircraft. Flight HU717 will depart Chongqing at 02:30 and arrive in Paris at 07:55 local time. The return flight, HU718, will leave Paris at 10:50 and land in Chongqing at 04:30 the next day.

To promote the expanded service, Hainan Airlines is offering one-way tickets starting at 1,900 yuan (approximately USD 266) and round-trip tickets at 2,200 yuan, excluding taxes. Passengers can also opt for premium seating, prepaid baggage, upper-class, and business packages.

Tickets can be booked through Hainan Airlines' official website or via OTA platforms such as Ctrip, Qunar, LY.COM, and Fliggy.

Since December 1 of last year, China has implemented a trial unilateral visa-free policy for France, Germany, Australia, and 12 other countries. As of May 15, this policy also extends to foreign tour groups arriving by cruise ships.

Under this policy, ordinary passport holders from these countries can visit China for up to 15 days without a business, tourism, or transit visa. This is expected to facilitate travel and boost the Chongqing-Paris route.

Additionally, 41 ports across China now offer 72-hour or 144-hour visa-free transit for travelers from 54 countries. Starting July 30, foreign tour groups from Hong Kong and Macao can also enjoy a 144-hour visa-free stay in Hainan Province.

These favorable policies have contributed to a significant increase in tourist numbers. As of July 26, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport has recorded over one million travelers this year, nearly 1.5 times the volume of last year.

According to the National Immigration Administration, in the first half of 2024, China welcomed 14.63 million foreign arrivals, marking a 152.7% year-on-year increase. Of these, 8.54 million, or 52%, entered the country visa-free, reflecting a 190.1% rise compared to the previous year.

This tourism surge underscores China's growing appeal as a destination, further supported by Hainan Airlines' enhanced connectivity.