As the summer travel season begins, Shanghai Airport Authority (SAA) opened three new regular international passenger routes to Mongolia's Ulaanbaatar, Uzbekistan's Tashkent, Kazakhstan's Almaty, bringing these Silk Road cities into Shanghai's eight-hour flight circle.

On July 3, at 00:12, Mongolian Airlines' inaugural flight OM265 landed at Pudong Airport, marking the official opening of Shanghai's first direct passenger route to Ulaanbaatar.

This year, SAA has been focused on establishing a comprehensive international aviation hub, enhancing the accessibility of its international route network.

With these new routes, Shanghai adds three new destinations in Belt and Road Initiative partner countries, filling gaps in its coverage of Mongolia and Central Asia. This development creates a more efficient "air Silk Road", facilitating connectivity and promoting trade and cultural exchanges.

Mongolian Airlines' inaugural OM265 flight lands at Pudong Airport on July 3 and is greeted with a traditional water salute. [Photo/SAA]

Ulaanbaatar: The "Grassland Capital"

The Shanghai-Ulaanbaatar route is operated by Mongolian Airlines using a Boeing 737 aircraft, with two flights per week. Departures from Pudong Airport are scheduled for 01:10 every Thursday and Sunday, arriving at New Ulaanbaatar Airport at 05:00 local time. Return flights leave Ulaanbaatar at 20:40 every Wednesday and Saturday, arriving in Shanghai at 00:10 the next day. Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, is known as the "Grassland Capital". July is the time of the Naadam Festival, where travelers can stay in traditional yurts, enjoy local delicacies, and watch traditional Mongolian sports.

Tashkent: The "Sunny City"

The Shanghai-Tashkent route is operated by Uzbekistan's East Wing Airlines using an Airbus A321 aircraft, with two flights per week. Flights depart Pudong at 06:40 every Tuesday and Friday, arriving in Tashkent at 11:50 local time. Return flights leave Tashkent at 19:00 every Monday and 18:50 every Thursday, arriving in Shanghai at 05:00 the next day. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is known as the "Sunny City" due to its abundant sunshine. With mutual visa-free agreements, travelers can explore the Tashkent TV Tower and the bustling Chorsu Bazaar.

Almaty: A City of Seasonal Beauty

The Shanghai-Almaty route is operated by China Eastern Airlines using an Airbus A321 aircraft, with three flights per week. Flights depart Pudong at 16:05 every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, arriving in Almaty at 19:35 local time. Return flights leave Almaty at 20:50, arriving in Shanghai at 05:45 or 06:05 the following day. Almaty, Kazakhstan's largest city, offers stunning scenery throughout the year. With visa-free travel, visitors can explore natural wonders such as Big Almaty Lake and Charyn Canyon.