Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines will resume direct flights between Israel and China next month, restoring key air links that have been largely unavailable over the past year.

Beginning August 3, the airline will restart nonstop service between Beijing and Tel Aviv with three weekly flights. On August 4, Hainan will also relaunch its Shenzhen-Tel Aviv route, also operating three times per week.

The airline’s return is expected to significantly expand direct travel options between the two countries after El Al had been one of the few airlines continuing nonstop service. The additional flights are expected to improve seat availability for tourists, business travelers, importers, exporters, and passengers connecting to other destinations across East Asia through Hainan’s network.

Hainan Airlines joins a growing number of foreign carriers that have resumed service to Israel in recent months following an extended period of reduced operations due to the security situation.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)